Fawzia Hannan Braine was my beloved sister. Among the two of us, she was the more lively, and although Hamlin happens to be my brother, she was more of a tomboy than he ever was. She was up to all the mischief, and because of her, my school life was very interesting. In the good old days, we used to send postcards to the radio program "Listener's Choice" requesting for beautiful English songs that we enjoyed. I also remember making a collection of songs, where she used to write them down and I used to find pictures of the relevant singer.
Although my early marriage and her career kept us apart, she kept in touch by frequently writing to me and later by telephoning me. She never failed to be in touch with me and all the time it was as if she was there in person. Though she a son of her own, she was also a mother to my three children, and a very loving sister-in-law to my husband. There would have been plenty of moments where they disagreed but they were very loving to each other. Though he was her brother-in-law she used to call him, 'Rasi uncle'.
Linda was always the strongest, in mind and soul, and I will never forget the courage and support she offered me to pull through during my eldest daughter's kidney transplant. In the darkest moments of my life, she was my guiding light.
Even though that light empowers me no more, as if a part of me has gone missing, I will always cherish the sweet memories she and I had together, till I meet her,somewhere, in time.
Dear little sister, (iron lady) May Allah bless you and be with you.
Your sister, Shirley (Zuleiha Hannan Mahamoor)
