I'm Jackie Sophia, and you're listening to Kearning Cultures, a podcast dissecting the complex narratives of the Middle East through stories.

Also, in this episode, we do touch on the topic of suicide. So if you feel like this might be a trigger for you, make sure you

take care of yourself. Okay, let's begin.

And one story that always kind of captures my imagination.

The street's lost culture.

And you're listening to Kearning Cultures.

Part one, at the feet of the mother.

How do you like to remember your son?

I remember him as extremely loving and caring, adventurous, curious, and always looking out for

those that needed that extra bit of help. That's the part I remember most. There were no limits.

What mattered the most was their heart.

And that's what I admired most in him and will still forever, no matter what. Your first child, you're scared, you're scared, but you're excited at the same time.

They don't come with a handbook.

It's not anything that's easy, but at the same time,

there are so many experiences that are so wonderful.

I remember for him, he was an early learner.

He was always interested and always curious and absolutely everything.

He loved to cook with me in the kitchen. He loved sports. He loved music. And he taught himself to read at the age of four.

So it was difficult trying to keep up with him. He was always just so full of life.

And then even in school, I remember getting called into the school because they were having

a hard time keeping him engaged in class.

He was finishing his work 10, 15 minutes into a classroom setting, whereas everybody else

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