Bambi's Thoughts
This musical post includes two songs. The lyrics of the first one, meant for healing, are in the original English as well as in Arabic. Those of the second song on “the desire to love” are in French. May the memory of the lives lost on September 11, 2001 be eternal, along with Bambi’s wishes for healing to their families, unity to their beloved country, and peace as well as unity to all the countries of the world.
Thank you, Mr. Mike Massy, for sharing your new beautiful song on YouTube. The latter is entitled “Jazr W Mad“, which means “High Tide and Low Tide“.
Even if you do not understand Mr. Mike Massy’s mother tongue, Lebanese-Arabic, you may perhaps recognize the word “Habibi“. It means my love or lover, which also could be said to a friend or… even to a stranger you might meet on the street!
Related to the above, when Bambi heard this song with its repeated “ya habibi“, she could not help not to remember her first trip to her birth country, Lebanon. It was in in the summer when she turned 20 years old. While there, she fell in love with a new song that played a lot on the radio. When it was time for her to leave Beirut back home, her dad kindly took her to a nearby music store, called “Ti Amo” (his store neighbour). He wanted to offer her the song. The store owner, kindly and patiently, played SEVERAL recent Lebanese songs, from different albums, one after the other. Each time, he asked Bambi if it was the one. Each time, she said “sorry, it is not the one“. He then tried to help further by encouraging her to recall a few words from the lyrics, maybe singing them if she can. Bambi paused for a few seconds and she proudly expressed the following: “Habibi… lalalala… Habibi”! With humour, he replied: “Tell me Bambi, is there any Lebanese song without the word habibi in it” : )? They all laughed at his funny joke. Even thirty-two years later, Bambi still smiles when she hears the word “habibi” repeated in a song. This story is not only about linguistics, but also and especially about the kindness of the people of Lebanon, especially owners of stores on Saint-Louis street in Beirut :).
On this light note, Bambi hopes you will enjoy Mr. Massy’s talent. For your convenience, the translated English as well as Arabic lyrics appear here: https://shorturl.at/JDrIe.
Who among us has not followed, or was tempted to follow, a wrong trajectory at a certain time in his or her life?
How many of us have had the courage to rectify the trajectory, first for ourselves and maybe publicly?
Mr. Kendji Girac, a France-based singer-songwriter that Bambi [and likely many of her readers, including you Zeina :)] adores, is a man of both courage and talent. Indeed, his new beautiful song, entitled “Si seulement” [If Only], carries an uplifting message of repentance with a ray of hope for a brighter future following his life crisis.
A quick English translation of the simple yet powerful lyrics follows the YouTube video. Once again, thanks to Mr. Google Translate for his prompt assistance.
To conclude this post, and if she may, Bambi will express the following wishes: Bravo Mr. Girac for your authenticity and for your journey of healing thus far. Welcome back. All the best to you and to your family. Please keep singing… and enriching Bambi’s blog with your great music!
“On the stage I left my smile, my smile, my smile
Abandoned captain, without ship, without ship, without ship
Sorry if I preferred to destroy myself
Even if it means risking damaging my empire
On the stage I left my smile, my smile
If only I had known how to tell you
Without having to write it on my skin
If only I had known how to tell you about it
Without the fear of hiding the photo
If only I had known how to tell you, really
If only I had known to tell you before
From our years, I kept your smile, your smile, your smile
He’s the one who warmed me in the worst, in the worst, in the worst
Sorry if I preferred to hold back
The sobs that I carried without saying it
From our years, I kept your smile, your smile
If only I had known how to tell you
Without having to write it on my skin
If only I had known how to tell you about it
Without the fear of hiding the photo
If only I had known how to tell you, really
If only I had known to tell you before
If only I had known how to tell you
Without having to write it on my skin
If only I had known how to tell you about it
Without the fear of hiding the photo
If only I had known how to tell you, really
If only I had known to tell you before
If only…”
Bambi appreciates all the transportation security officers of all the airports. They keep us safe at all times, even if we may be thirsty when they confiscate our water bottles :).
As for the talented Rudy, she feels like telling him: please keep making us smile!
Bambi spent a wonderful day today. She wants to end it by reaching out to you, dear readers because this makes her even happier.
This being said, all the songs below are subtitled in English, for your convenience.
Please note that the last kid’s brief song, which is in English, may repeat itself at your end. You have been warned! However, the adorable character of Mina made Bambi spend a few minutes re-watching her over and over. Yes, she did the latter, as per Aida’s Café’s advice :).
When Russia-Ukraine war broke out, Lebanon sent planes to Poland to help its citizens who were trapped in Ukraine (https://shorturl.at/DYkt3).
Now, and for the second time, Ukraine evacuated from Lebanon a group of citizens, including children and adults, along with one person from the Czech Republic. As reported by Naharnet, “they arrived safely in Poland, are receiving all the necessary assistance, and will be sent to Ukraine” (https://shorturl.at/qgMux).
She does not know about you, but Bambi’s heart aches for all the innocent people of the world who keep finding themselves trapped in war-torn countries or zones. Before going to sleep, she would like to offer them Mr. Michael Jackson’s “Heal The World” as greatly performed by Mr. André Rieu et al. Merci!
Bambi does not understand Israeli internal politics (left, right, government, opposition, unions, other activists, etc.). She just knows that two days ago, six innocent hostages were coldly and cruelly assassinated in Gaza by the kidnapping organization, Hamas, who also had the nerve to release a propaganda video featuring them (https://tinyurl.com/mrn7atbp). You can see their moving young faces and read their bios or stories in both English (https://tinyurl.com/bdcddx6c) and French (https://tinyurl.com/2r6c9p6y). May their memory be eternal. May G-D/God/Allah know how to comfort their families.
Instead of uniting together in denouncing this crime, the powerful unions are about to start a general strike in their country, apparently to put pressure on their government to strike a deal with Hamas to liberate hostages (https://tinyurl.com/4nwjc5vu). By principle, such request would have seemed noble as it would put an end to the tragic and inhuman bloodshed in Gaza (which followed the October 7, 2023’s killing, rape, and kidnapping). It would also finally relieve the aching hearts of the families of the kidnapped victims (of note, some are young children, including a baby). However, the timing of the strike seems a bit strange to Bambi. She may be wrong, but it is reminding her of Dr. Gad Saad’s forthcoming book on a concept he calls “suicidal empathy” (sort of non-strategic empathy). He used it in relation to the Western world in general, which seemed to be in a state of cultural self-destruction. Make no mistake, despite the noble and maybe sincere intentions, the apparently non-strategic empathy here does not seem to be toward the innocent people of Gaza. It seems to be an empathy toward Hamas in particular. It seems to be about rewarding their most recent crime, almost at the detriment of the interests of the Israelis, namely their safety. It seems to be suicidal even, at least in the long term.
This being said, let’s move now to a neighbouring country of Israel, Lebanon (where Bambi was born). A powerful religious figure there expressed the following about the role of Hezbollah and Amal, who serve Iranian interests, before their own country: it is a role into “maintaining Lebanon’s sovereignty” (https://tinyurl.com/mr3555j3). He even added: “To be more specific, the Amal Movement and Hezbollah are the largest sovereign forces in this country. Had it not been for this resistance duo, Lebanon would have been subjected to Zionist policies“. Bambi feels like replying: “had it not been for this so-called resistance duo, Lebanon would have not been an Iranian colony (by proxy) and the people of Lebanon would have not been subjected once again to death, injuries, destruction, migration, and fear”. Had it been truly about sovereignty, the heart-breaking coffins of all the young men killed by Israel, fighting in this so-called resistance duo, would have been wrapped in the beautiful Lebanese flag. Even better than death, regardless of any flag, they would have still been alive enjoying their lives and their loved ones while daring to dream about a brighter future.
When will wars end in the Middle East, not just temporary ceasefires and deals? When will peace truly prevail so all the innocent people of Lebanon as well Palestine, Israel, Syria, Irak, Iran, Yemen, Saudi Arabia, FINALLY ALL live in safety, harmony, peace, prosperity, and ideally love among their nations?
Most countries highlight labour, or workers, in May. However, in the United States of America and in Canada, we celebrate labour day on the first Monday of September.
Happy long weekend to those lucky to have today off!
If you happen to be working or reading this email from out of North America, may you have a wonderful, productive week!
Thanks to YouTube, Bambi discovered a talented singer-songwriter (https://shorturl.at/z69cB). Who knows? Perhaps some of you already know him? His name is Mr. Nicolas Chalhoub. Born in Lebanon, he is based in Spain since 2017. He sings in several languages, including English, French, Spanish, and Arabic, his mother tongue. Bambi does not know if you will enjoy Mr. Chalhoub’s voice. As far as she is concerned, she is now a fan of this skilled and moving artist!
It is with a very heavy heart that Bambi learned today (well yesterday since we are past midnight) of the tragic death of DEAREST “AKH” Ahmet, or Mr. Ahmet Mohamad Ali, in London on August 29th (following ten days of hospitalization). He was on his way back to Canada from a family trip to Germany.
Both Louis and Bambi are speechless now… May your memory be eternal, dear Ahmet.
May God knows how to comfort your sweetest spouse “Okht” [sister] Ferida. Bambi’s heart goes to her ❤️, daring to imagine only one little drop of the ocean of her shock and sorrow.
Heartfelt thoughts to all your children, and grand-children, who are literally spread around the world, including Syria, Canada, Germany, and maybe Lebanon.
Bambi’s heart and mind are specifically with your son and daughter-in-law Abd (Abdel-Kadr) and Nadin, along with their little ones (your adorable grand-children) who reside in Ontario.
A warm thought, and lots of courage, to your daughter who lives in Germany. Bambi had the pleasure to speak to her once on the phone upon your arrival to New Brunswick a few years ago. May God fill her heart with peace. This being said, Bambi is happy because you saw your beloved daughter et al. after LONG years. Sadly, this precious family reunion ended up being a final good-bye.
Of note, your family members have an inspiring faith in their hearts. Despite their shock and sorrow, they seem to have already accepted the bitter reality (God or Allah’s will), perhaps also being reassured that you are now in a much more comfortable place.
Please know that everyone in Sackville, New Brunswick, shares their sorrow. Indeed, our small town is the place where your migration journey in Canada began. Despite your appreciation of Ontario and of being with your son and his family, you always had words of both love and gratitude for Sackville, especially for all those who welcomed you by opening both their hearts and homes for Ferida and you. They helped you in integrating and they supported you in moving out to be closer to your family.
Actually, Bambi does not know from where to start in offering her condolences: from the inspiring Reverend John and Dodie, along with all the members of their Sackville Refugee Response Coalition (https://shorturl.at/xzXVT), to perhaps others folks at Mount Allison University or in the Town of Sackville or from the United Church and the Presbyterian church with its devoted Reverend Jeffrey Murray and his wife et al. (perhaps also to other sister churches), and to the community at large. Bambi may have forgotten names or organizations now, but she sends her heart specifically to your dearest friends in humanity, the devoted Diane and David.
Warm condolences to your dear friends Suzie and Nizar et al.
Kind regards also to your caring friend and volunteering translator Khaldie. Same to the sweet Gloria.
Thoughts also to Sarah and to Aline for their care and support or involvement in the coalition mentioned above. Same to the the talented Diana from Amherst, NS, who speaks Turkish as well as Arabic, like you.
Bambi is also thinking now of ALL the smiling faces on the streets who used to move your heart with their kindness during your daily walks over the year spent in Sackville (to use your own words).
Same for all the Maritimers and Ontarians who opened their hearts for you/Ferida. Bambi is thinking of them now. She also salutes all the welcoming fellow Canadians who made you feel at home in one way or another, despite the challenges of migration.
Last but not least, and if she may, to all the paramedics, physicians, and nurses who have treated you in the UK until your last breath, Bambi will say thank you.
However, her biggest thanks will be for you, dearest Akh Ahmet for our beautiful friendship and for the lessons in humanity. Bambi had the honour to sometimes act as your translator, you and Ferida. This is how we became friends, almost like family. We kept being connected after you moved to Ontario, thanks to both WhatsApp and your loyalty.
Indeed, every Christmas, Easter, Thanksgiving, you reached out to Bambi. Year after year, she thinks of you when she decorates the house with an Easter bunny you kindly offered her. In turn, every Eid and Ramadan, she called you/Ferida. We also spoke between feasts and celebrations. The last time we spoke it was around Eid El Adha. You were in Germany and she touched base to tell you how happy she was for you to be finally united with your daughter. Through and thanks to you/Ferida, Bambi developed an enriching friendship with your daugher-in-law. Once again, may God comfort her aching heart.
On a lighter note, trust that Bambi will always think of you when she will listen to Turkish folk music and to the late and great Mr. Sabah Fakhri from Aleppo. When he died, you reached out to her to share the sad news because there was an internal joke between us about him. If she may, Bambi will now share it with her readers: Mr. Sabah Fakhri was a Syrian tenor, very fluent in the standard Arabic language. Once, Bambi was with you on the phone, translating some official documents. Her mind may have been tired then, she forgot how to say “Residence Permit” in Arabic, shame on her! The brilliant guy sitting next to her, yes Louis who does not speak Arabic, said out loud: “Ikama“. He got it right! We laughed so much about it that you decided that we should teach him how to sing like Sabah Fakhri :). You made Bambi laugh for several years with your cute joke.
The above was a spontaneous obituary of a great grand-father, dad, spouse, businessman in a second life, friend, community member, and… especially fellow Canadian, Bambi will use your own words. Yes, they still resonate in her spirit and ears, today more than ever. She recalls walking with you to your place and chatting about the wind on that day. Our conversation may have naturally switched to life, death, and war. The chat happened perhaps a couple of days upon your arrival to Canada. Yet, you said the following WISE and BEAUTIFUL terms: “Do not tell me what is your background, what is your tribe, or what is your religion. Just tell me whom you are as a human being because this is what matters the most in life“. Bambi recalls having told you: “Mabrouk/Congrats Akh Ahmet, you are now officially Canadian. Welcome to Canada“.
Thank you Akh Ahmet for your beautiful soul, lovely personality, sense of humour, and inspiring values of humanity, decency, and generosity of the heart. May your soul rest in peace. May your memory be eternal. May God comfort, protect, and bless your family and friends. One thing is sure: we will all miss you. We all love you. Thank you for having made our world, including Canada, Syria as well as Lebanon, a nicer place ❤️.
