Where to begin? Being scared to kiss you because of your moustache? Or rushing to your office after school and interrupting a meeting just to be in your arms until you start tickling me and I fall? The way you said my name felt like a flower being watered. To me, you were a mountain, and not a single breeze could stop you from doing anything. You were the smile on my face, and no one will ever replace you.
Although I was too young, I still remember our funny moments together. Teta was a very happy person when you were still with us, but don’t worry Jedo, we are all making sure that she keeps a smile on her face.
One of the things that makes my heart melt is when I see my cousins – your grandchildren, who didn’t get the chance to meet you – point at your picture and say “Jedo!” You are missed by the family and many more, and before doing anything, I always ask, “Will Jedo be proud of me?”
Even if you aren’t with us anymore, you will always and forever be in our hearts. Even though we all wish you were here right now, we are happy that you are in a better place. After all, everything happens for a reason. God is really lucky to have such an amazing man next to him.
I am sure you are proud of Teta and my Khalo is trying to make everything work out like you did. I wish you could see how we all changed for the better. I can go on forever talking about you and how you made a positive change in all of our lives. I will always love you and respect you for what you left behind. I’ve made a couple of major mistakes in the past that upset my parents, but I promise I thought about you, and my promise to keep you happy. To me, you are still here, right next to me, helping me with my decisions. I am so proud to say that I am related to you, Teta, Khalo Saad, Khalo Bahaa, Khalo Ayman, Auntie Hind, Khalo Fahed, Khalo Ouday, and my mum.
If you hadn’t been there, I am sure we would all be like rain on a sunny day. I really don’t know what we did to lose the person who meant the world to us, and if I could go back in time, I would treasure the moments I had with you and appreciate you for what you did for the country, because you weren’t just a grandfather to me. While growing up, I started understanding who you are and how you changed people’s lives. Jedo, you will always and forever be in my heart I love you.
Your granddaughter. Aya Dalloul.
Dalloul is the granddaughter of former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri.