Former Cabinet Secretary and Ambassador Amina Mohamed has penned an emotional tribute to her late husband, Khalid Ahmed, reflecting on the enduring love and grief she continues to carry five years after his death.
In a memorial message titled "A Soulmate Khalid, Five Years," Amina described the challenge of adjusting to life without Khalid, who she said brightened every day with his presence and kindness.
"It seems impossible that I have learned to count time without you. Some days it feels as though you have only just stepped out of the room and will be back any minute," she wrote. Despite the passage of time, Amina said her love and sense of loss remain as strong as ever.
Khalid's Lasting Impact
Amina remembered Khalid as a man whose quiet presence eased burdens and whose unconditional love provided confidence and comfort throughout their life together.
- He made everyone around him feel valued, including family, friends, colleagues, neighbours, and even strangers.
- He listened attentively, remembered small details, and celebrated others' successes without envy.
- His infectious laughter was described as an embrace that warmed any room and brought people together.
She also highlighted how their children continue to embody Khalid's values of kindness, fairness, and compassion.
Reflections on Grief and Legacy
Amina shared her ongoing experience with grief, noting that it does not diminish over time but rather life grows around it. "The love I have for Khalid has become quieter, deeper, and somehow even more certain," she said.
She expressed gratitude for the love Khalid gave their family and the example he set, emphasizing that although he left too soon, his legacy lives on in the many lives he touched.
"There is an old belief that we die twice: once when our body leaves this earth, and again when our name is spoken for the last time. If that is true, then you will never truly die," she concluded.
Khalid Ahmed passed away in Nairobi in July 2021 after a short illness.
