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Nargis Fazal
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Dar es Salaam, Tanzania - Vancouver
Art by Emily Honderich
Nargis Fazal story
Nargis Fazal was born in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. She spent her young adulthood in the United Kingdom, where she studied the sciences and worked in medical research. In 1981 Nargis and her husband moved to Canada, where her two children were born. Her passion for being actively involved in her children’s development and education inspired her to become an early childhood educator. She is also a special needs educator, a Montessori teacher, and an author of children’s books. She loves yoga, reading, and travelling with her family.
A Different Way to Celebrate
A first birthday is always an extra special event. A gorgeous little girl was born to our son and daughter-in-law in March 2019. My husband and I were thrilled beyond measure to be grandparents for the very first time!
In March 2020, we planned a trip from Vancouver to San Francisco for her first birthday. With utmost joy, we booked our flights and hotel. Our daughter from Toronto would be there too.
Our son sent pictures of the venue: a big picnic area in a park with a playground. Because I used to be a preschool teacher, I gathered my fun felt-board stories and songs to entertain the kids.
Our world was buzzing with excitement, anticipation, and joy when suddenly, it turned topsy turvy! Canada was going into a lockdown! Our Prime Minister asked Canadians to “Go Home and Stay Home.” The party was called off. Our travels were cancelled. We were deeply disappointed.
While we didn’t have a picnic on our grandchild's first birthday, we celebrated in a different way. We feel blessed that we’re all well. Over FaceTime, we eagerly follow her growth and development. Sometimes I sing to her, feeling nothing but gratitude in my heart!
"Over FaceTime, we eagerly follow her growth and development. Sometimes I sing to her, feeling nothing but gratitude in my heart!"