Thank you Sittoo.... for a Job well Done

Sittoo raised eight girls and four boys and some of her grandchildren as well.  Every child who was fortunate enough to be raised by her was sent into the world having been loved and well cared for by a kind and generous soul.

This woman married so early in life that the wedding night she changed her mind and went back home for three years until she was mature enough to be living with her husband. Nothing traumatic - just a mutual understanding and agreement between Sittoo and her husband who was much older.

During those three years she was taught to cook and clean and keep a home, all in preparation for her new life with her husband. It was after this time was up that Sittoo decided it was time to join her patient and ever so kind husband in life and marriage.

The following year they announced the birth of their first-born child, a girl.  And for the next twenty-five years Sittoo was giving birth to and raising her twelve living children.

It seems like what was most important to Sittoo in the raising of the children was that they were loved, warm, and safe at all times. Small children were encouraged to be individuals who expressed their wants and needs.

It was important in this family to be straight forward in relating. Honesty and clarity fostered a trust that all of the children carried with them throughout their lives.

Following the above outline for the raising of the children was the importance of things like religion and discipline.

Above all, though, was the soft and quiet way Sittoo assured each child of their self worth and self respect. Her love encouraged them to love themselves and to love and care for others. Sittoo has a way of listening and understanding which makes the child feel affirmed and validated. This, alone, gives a child a head and shoulders above and beyond kind of boost of confidence with which to begin life.

This is how my sweet Khaled came to be such a good and healthy person.  He was turned out into the world as a gift for the fortunate girl whom he would eventually pick.

He picked me fairly quickly and I found him to be the most patient, kind, loving, adorable, interesting, intelligent, funny, understanding, non-judgmental, ambitious, capable, good man I've ever known or seen in my whole life.

Thank you Sittoo....  for a job well done.

Khaled is a total reflection on you.