Lasting Last Letters
The following are excerpts of some of the letters Jahan received in her last days in the hospital and at home. Some she read, some were read to her, some didn’t arrive in time.
Dear Jahan,
Zaman has informed me of the very difficult health issues you have been so bravely facing. I want to send you my love and moral support.
You are truly a courageous lady who is manifesting all of those powerfully positive soul questions which you have been cultivating all of your life. The real “you” is most victorious no matter what happens to the body vehicle.
I love so much this quotation from Paramcharsa Yogananda in his “Autobiography of a Yogi”:
“God is love. His plan for creation can be rooted only in love. Does not that simple thought… offer solace to the human heart? Every saint who has penetrated to the core of Reality has testified that a divine universal plan exists and it is beautiful and full of joy.”
It may be hard to identify with that Truth when one is in so much physical and psychological pain, but just keep offering it.
We do not see the full picture, and our limited human scope obscures the profound blessings that all of life’s experiences hold. I would think you have only a golden spiritual bank account accrued from a life of loving selfless service to many.
Raymundo and I feel very privileged to have met you, and we send you our love and strong friendship in support.
May you receive the greatest blessings of the Divine, and may peace and joy pervade your heart regardless of the physical turmoil.
Sincerely and in divine friendship,
- Marion & Raymundo Rios
P.S. I have put your name on our SRF Prayer List. The monks and nuns offer prayers twice daily for 3 months for those whose names are submitted. The worldwide SRF membership prays also. And certainly you have a foremost place in my personal prayers.
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Dear Jahan,
Here are your Hindu brothers sending their heartfelt loving prayers for your quick recovery. Please know that you are very dear to all of us in the community because of your noble and loving dedication the cause of bringing harmony ad peace.
We earnestly pray to God, the all mighty, to keep you free from pain and protect you in His loving care giving you quick recovering.
With our loving regards,
- Saravadevanande and Vedanta Community
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Dear Jahan,
We pray that you have a full and speedy recovery, and look forward to seeing you again at the IRC.
With much love-
- Savadeshaprana
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The Prayer Circle at Culver-Palms United Methodist Church is praying for you.
- Gene and Penny Rothman
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Beloved Jahan,
Our love, our prayers, our spirit is with you. I hold you in my heart each and every day.
- Stephen Longfellow Fiske
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Dear Jahan,
I am so sorry to hear of your medical situation. You always inspire me with your generous, kind love you have shared with us- My sincere prayers.
Mary S.
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Dear Jahan,
You are in my prayers daily! Love,
- Vide
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Dearest Jahan, Your “presence” continues to grace our lives!
Love XOXOXO
- Bonnie
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Jahan,
You are missed at our Friday morning meetings.
Get well Soon.
- Luis Rivera
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Jahan,
To a sister working for understanding and love. Sweet comfort peace and healing.
- Susan A.
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Jahan, beloved New friend,
You so richly enhanced ICUJP with your presence. The energy and commitment you brought to us were wonderful and life giving.
I am praying for you with love,
- George Regas
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Dear Jahan,
We’re holding you in the light of God.
Love…
- Anthony Manousos (The Interfaith Quaker)
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Dear Jahan,
Your beautiful loving spirit had enriched us all at ICUJP. You will remain with us always!
- Ed Fisker
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Get well soon.
We at ICUJP are praying and thinking of you all the time. Our warmest blessings and hugs.
- Grace
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Dear Jahan,
Miss you and keeping you in my prayers.
- Rita
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Dear Jahan,
You are constantly in my thoughts and prayers.
- Jeff Hirsch
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Jahan,
My thoughts and prayers are with you. I remember a few months ago when we did some work at Andres ICUJP office. It was special to get to know you better. A good memory.
Salaam,
- Darrel
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Our dear sister will be greatly missed.
- Sherrel Johnson and the whole CAIR-LA Team
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May Allah grant you patience
- Hussam Ayloush
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Jahan,
Wishing you brighter and better tomorrows.
Thank you for coming to support our events.
- Soka Gakkai International-USA
- Buddhist Association for Peace, Culture, and Education
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Dear Jahan-
It is with a heavy heart that I write you this note. In the midst of everything you are experiencing, I want you to know how much you have meant to me over the years. When I told others about my interfaith work, several shrugged and others laughed – but not you. You were always a sold and steady supportive voice who maintained course. Your example has served as a reminder to me that commitment and self-confidence in what you do is an essential part of truly making a difference.
With much admiration,
- Aziza Hasan
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Nothing is impossible for God! I’m believing for your full recovery and healing!
Love,
- …(A note to Jahan from a hospital nursing staff)
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Dearest Jahan,
You are truly my deep sister. We are connected for all time in love, light and the joy of life itself. May you know peace and laughter and joy in your soul.
I love you every moment so hugging you now and forever.
All my love,
- Arlene Shapiro
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Jahan,
I wanted to bring you flowers, but I don’t know your favorite. So, I wanted to give you this “one of a kind” decorative vase made by yours truly. When you feel better enough, I can help you pick out a flower for the vase. Also, here is a lovely photo of a hummingbird for you to enjoy.
Love, your extended family and eater of your food.
- Rebecca
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Dear Jahan,
My grandma made this notecard and I wanted you to have it.
I have been writing to Sara to “check in” on you and learn how you are. I am sending you happy, healing thoughts all the time since I learned that you were sick again.
I love you Jahan! All the positivity and warmth in the world! See you soon. I hope—I will try to get Sara to redo Palm Springs with her bridesmaids and then we can make you dinner!
Love,
- Audrey Schomer
Brookly, New York
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Assalamu Alaikum Dear Sr. Jahan,
If thoughts help to make you feel better somehow, Remember warm thoughts and prayers are there with you now.
With love and understanding –
-Sr. Sherrel
Anaheim, California
Please know we are praying for a full and speeding recovery. We know all things are possible with Allah (swt). May He give you patience and strong faith. Ameen
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Salaam Sister,
May the Healer and the Remedy bless you with love.
- Noor Malika
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Dear Jahan,
Noor Malika told me about yours illness. I wish you a full and speedy recovery.
Warmest wishes and healing prayers,
- Jean Katz
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For Jahan and Zaman,
Greetings and best wishes from your friends at the Parliament of the World’s Religion –in appreciation for all your dedication to the interfaith movement and the cause of creating understanding and peace.
In friendship,
- Anthony Manousos
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Jahan,
May the spirit of healing be upon you. Betsy and I send healing prayers. You are being held in Light.
- Thomas and Betsy
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Dearest Jahan,
May Allah (swt) ease your pain and heal you to full recovery. My prayers are with you.
Much love,
- Farrah
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Dear Jahan and Zaman,
Please know that we said a special prayer at our board meeting for you and for Jahan’s quick and smooth recovery. We’re holding you in Light,
Love,
- Joseph
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Dear Zaman and Jahan,
Our prayers are with your family at this challenging time. We pray that Allah will bless you and the doctors with the pathway to health and full recovery.
- Steve and Judy Gilliland
Lakewood, California
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Dear Zaman and Jahan’s Family:
Please know that Penny and I are also holding you, as family members, in our prayers as well. Your vigilance at Jahan’s beside is a tribute to your devotion as a family.
We pray also for those working to heal Jahan, including medical personnel and her prayer group. May the season of Ramadan give you all added strength for this part of the journey.
Salaam, Shalom, Shanti, Peace,
- Gene and Penny Rothman
Culver City, California
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