Ode to Shiba Hussein | Loss and life lessons

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Shiba Hussein, a young woman who has found her way in life and work, has had to face her greatest challenge to date in recent months. Hers is a story of resilience, loss and the invisible power of the city of Amsterdam, which has always embraced her. This is her story, a story of grief, of love for her mother, of the invisible power of friendship and of the continued importance of positivity in difficult times.

Shiba was born and raised in Amsterdam and considers this city her home. “Amsterdam really feels like home,” she says proudly. She is half Kurdish, and her diverse background has shaped her view of the city and her life. She is convinced that Amsterdam is the most beautiful city in the world, not only because of its iconic canals and rich history, but also because of the people who live there. She believes that there is always something to learn from the city and its residents.

Although Shiba has already been through a lot, she considers the loss of her mother to be her greatest challenge. “I think I'm probably still in the middle of my biggest challenge,” she says. Six months ago, Shiba suddenly lost her mother, and since then she has been in a process of mourning that is still going on inside her. The loss of her mother has made a deep impression on her, but it has also given her the opportunity to gain new insights.

Shiba has learned that grief is not always the way you would expect it to be. She had thought that she would only be able to lie in bed and not be able to do anything, but life goes on. “You just have to get out of bed, things are still funny, and you have to keep smiling,” she says. It is a valuable lesson in resilience that she will continue to carry with her in the years to come.

During her mother's funeral in Amsterdam, Shiba felt her mother's invisible energy around her. While it was stormy, it started to rain as Shiba was saying her words. But as she walked to the grave, the sun broke through. It felt to her as if her mother was not quite ready to leave. Something even more miraculous happened: an ancient oak tree fell during the ceremony. It was a moment of spiritual connection that Shiba will not soon forget.

In her deepest sorrow, Shiba discovered how important it is to find support from others. “Grief is something you really need each other for,” she says. “Even though grieving is an intensely lonely process, it's still important to be there for each other.” The support of friends and family made Shiba feel less alone, which helped her get through the initial difficult period.

Shiba hopes that her story will inspire others to remain positive despite everything. Her mother always admired her zest for life and her ability to keep going, even in difficult times. Shiba herself is aware of how important it is to hold on to this zest for life, especially when life is not easy. “My mother always said she admired my zest for life, and I think that is something I want to continue doing myself: always staying positive, no matter how difficult it is,” says Shiba.

The influence of her mother

When Shiba thinks of the women who have shaped her, one name always comes to the top: her mother, Carolina. “My mother,” Shiba says with a warm smile, is the woman who influenced her life path, the woman who gave her strength and faith in life. Carolina was a woman of deep wisdom and love, and her influence lives on in Shiba's daily life and decisions.

Shiba Hussein is a woman who has gone through a profound personal loss, but her strength and positivity have only been strengthened by the challenges she has endured. Her story is a message of hope, perseverance and the importance of community. In a world that sometimes seems uncertain, Shiba remains true to the lessons of her mother and the city that shaped her: Amsterdam. Her story is a reminder to us all that even in the most difficult of times, life goes on, and that there is always room for love, support and positivity.