Eulogy For Rianna Saani

The first time I met Rianna was at St. Rose's Senior High School back in 2003 when we had just entered. It was a visiting day and our parents had come to see us since they were only allowed to do that once in a month.
Rianna's dad happened to be friends with my dad and we spoke the same native tongue. Since then Rianna and I went about telling people that we were cousins. Family friends, friends, or whatever, we felt closer to each other than that.
Rianna had a condition. I don't remember exactly what but she would fall sick a lot back in school. And each time it happened, I would worry about her. But she always got better really fast, thank God.
One thing I remember clearly was the way she and her dad would joke around and behave like the best couple there ever was. Rianna was the only child and had all the love of her parents showered on her. They tried to allow her all the fun she could have but I can assure you, they were pretty strict when they needed to.

The last I saw of Rianna was during a homecoming at St. Rose's last year (2011). The big bear hug I got from her is what I remember the most. We had lost contact and would only communicate via facebook most of the time, so it was a moment for both of us.
She had a lot of fun that time with all her very many school daughters and new friends she made...she was lively. No one would encounter such a soul and not love them. She was extremely lovable and someone you would want to be around all the time. Her smile was exceptional. And her kind nature won her many loyal friends.

I was offshore on the Stena DrillMax on assignment on Tuesday, July 24, 2012 when I received a message on whatsapp from Yram (my classmate and best buddy from St. Rose's) at about 10:00 a.m. telling me that my sweet cousin had died that morning. Instantly I began to shake and would not believe what I'd just seen. I went online to check on our year group's page and saw the news and several comments. Tears filled my eyes and all I could think about was that sweet angelic face and the broad smile she always had. And then I felt the last hug I ever got from her. I felt even worse when I found out from Ramlah (another cousin-ish family friend of ours) that she would be buried Muslim style that very day, because then I wouldn't be able to say goodbye to her. This same feeling has haunted me ever since. And this is the least I suppose I can do in her honour.

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I still think about you, Rianna. I miss you dearly even though we never got to see each other much. That last hug is the only treasure I will have to remind me of the joy you bring to every person you meet. Thank you for being a lovely soul here on earth. I know the Lord God will keep you safe in his bosom until we meet again someday in Paradise.

I love you, Rianna.

Rest in perfect peace.