Sham al-Najjar

She was a quiet and exceptional child, obedient, clever, and good-natured. I did not want to have another child after her, so that I could give her everything she deserved and raise her right. I poured myself into raising her, devoted all my time to her so she would be the best among people. God blessed us with a brother for her during the war, who is now two months old. He endured the rubble and was pulled out, but her body could not withstand it. She was killed, and departed as a bird to Paradise. She used to tell her brother: "I am your big sister. When you grow up, I will defend you." She would sing to him, "You are precious, my brother." She loved him so much and was overjoyed with him, but she did not get to rejoice in him, nor did she get to defend him.