Greetings!  I am writing to let you know what has been going on with me.  Been a very long time since you last heard about me; figured it was time for me to update you on my life.

My name is Zakiyyah.  Zakiyyah Halimah Al-Mohammed is my full name.  I was born in Somalia; I came to America in 2003, six years ago, to escape the abuse that my former husband, Ali, was inflicting upon me and our children.

I have two children:  a daughter, Tamar, now eighteen, and a beautiful little boy, Tariq, who is eight.  They live with me.  I am happy to say that both are very healthy and happy.

I was struck by lightning not long after I came to America.  I was getting the mail (I think; I really can't remember!); next thing I knew, I woke up in hospital, doctors and nurses standing over me.  I also remember I was in great pain.

It turned out I was hit in the back.  Ever since, I have had pain, weakness, numbness down both legs.  It is hard for me to walk long distances, so I use a wheelchair if I'm out.  If I am at home, I use a cane; I use it for balance; my balance really isn't that good.

My son has always known me as being disabled; he's as familiar with my wheelchair and my cane as he is with his toys; as for Tamar, she remembers when I could get around without any problems.

Tamar helps me if I'm in a lot of pain or I'm having moments of weakness.  She is very patient, loving with me, which I greatly appreciate.  She helps me out with little Tariq when I'm not feeling my best.  She is really good with her little brother; I am very proud of her!

Tamar will be starting university in the fall; she hasn't decided on a career yet.  She just knows she wants to further her education.  (She graduated from high school last year.)

When I am ill or in pain, my neighbors come help me with housework.  Or they volunteer to babysit my youngest child.  Tamar helps out, as does my mother, Shahar.  She lives close by; if I ever have a problem, she always comes over to assist me in any way she can.

I am never alone or without what I need in life.  Even though life is still hard for me on the physical level, I consider myself very fortunate indeed.

My son is in second grade.  He is doing fairly well; he's having problems with his spelling and reading.  He's in special classes to help him overcome his difficulties.  He gets frustrated; however, he still tries his best, which is all I ask of him.

Because of my lasting health problems, I get disability.  I cannot work.  It isn't much, but it still pays the bills.  I often worry what will happen if prices keep increasing, but somehow, somewhere, some way, extra money comes in when I seem to need it the most.

Well, this isn't much of an update; I don't have a very exciting life.  LOL  The only thing is, I'm now very well versed in the English language, and I'm now a citizen, which I am very happy about.  That way, I don't have to worry about Ali threatening me (or my children) ever again.  If he does, I will place a restraining order on him, and he will be arrested.

I don't know when I will write in here again, but I hope, pray it won't be another six years down the road!  LOL  Until then, this is Zakiyyah Al-Mohammed saying good bye for now!  May you go in peace and  have good things in your life!

~Zakiyyah Halimah Al-Mohammed.  :)