Maryam’s story: ten years away, one photo, and peace

Maryam has lived in Toronto for ten years. She lost her mother there, over the phone, and was never able to return to say goodbye.

“Every Nowruz I felt guilty. Everyone visited their loved ones’ graves, and I could only long from afar.”

This year, for the first time, Maryam arranged a tending of her mother’s grave. A few days later she received a photo of a clean grave, adorned with flowers and rosewater.

“When I saw the photo, a ten-year weight lifted off my heart. I know it doesn’t replace being there, but for the first time in years, I felt at peace.”

Maryam’s story is the story of thousands. And that is exactly why Aroom Shodam was made.