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MERCY Malaysia Loses a True Friend |
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Friday, 09 November 2007 |
I cannot remember exactly when we first met but the relationship began
in the mid 90’s with my involvement in assisting four of six of the
Ghani grandchildren into this world. I can remember his big laugh and
his cheerful disposition, humility and warmth. He never made me feel I
was not part of the family, even as the “family obstetrician”.
Several years later, MERCY Malaysia was born and with it came the supporters, among whom - the Ghani clan led by Dato' Abdul Ghani (Daddy), Datin Hasnah (Mummy), Sarah, Azman, Shareen, Lan, Suhaireen, Budin and kids in tow.
When we needed a hall for an event, he would be behind the scenes negotiating for MERCY Malaysia allowing us to use the city auditorium and city hall for our talks, exhibitions etc. Whenever there was a fund raiser or event of any sort in the city, including our annual general meetings, you could rest assured he would be among the first to arrive, always lending support to the organization and to me and my leadership role.
Whenever a disaster hit, he would allow his children to participate fully in relief operations, often taking the back seat by being the baby and home sitter for them. Even mummy had her volunteer stint in Aceh while he stayed back as always to hold the fort and tend to the grandchildren.
I knew deep down he wanted to be in the field too, perhaps even feeling a bit left out as everyone spoke of their contributions. I often reassured him that his contribution was among the greatest as he allowed his family to partake in the field never having to worry about how the children or home would suffer in their absence.
Finally, the chance came for me to invite him as a guest to Aceh, when we took a small plane load of donors and media to close the major operations there. It was a proud moment for him to see what he had sacrificed to ensure his beloved daughter Shareen (the Chief Operating Officer of MERCY Malaysia till May 2007) could lead the operations in the organization.
This photograph sums it all. He asked me to share a photo opportunity with him just before we separated upon return from our trip to Aceh. He was proud and happy to be a part of MERCY Malaysia as much as we were blessed to have him as a part of our organization.
I will miss him dearly. His latest grandchild will not grow to know him but we will all remind him/her how great a grandfather he was.
MERCY Malaysia salutes you Dato' Ghani and we pray to the Almighty that all your deeds and sacrifices will be rewarded in the hereafter, and that the doors of Heaven open to receive you. We will pray that your beloved family endures the pain and loneliness in their lives without you.
We rejoice your life and you will be in our thoughts and prayers constantly.
Datuk Dr. Jemilah Mahmood
President
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