Today started out like any other day. I was walking around one of the coasts in the Northern Governorate on a visit with the council to inspect the environment when the worst news of the year broke across all of Bahrain.

His Royal Highness the Prime Minister Prince Khalifa Bin Salman Al Khalifa passed away and the news struck Bahrain like a tsunami of sadness.

I was in disbelief as I sat in my car trying to process the traumatic event and trying to wrap my head around the loss of such a pioneer, an icon, a beacon and father-figure to the entire Bahraini community.

Since the start of 2020 I felt my heart growing heavier and heavier as bad news around the world accumulated with many events beyond my comprehension. Covid-19 deaths, the crash of international economies, social distancing, no family gatherings and just overall anxiety and fear of the unknown. It felt like I was carrying a glass ball in my chest which was steadily getting heavier and heavier and today it shattered.

It shattered into a million little pieces the minute I heard ‘Baba Khalifa’ has passed away and the shards ripped through my heart causing me unbelievable pain that felt physical, emotional, psychological and mental. It struck

There are no words to describe the loss we feel as Bahrainis as most of us were born into this world with the accomplishments of our Prime Minister visible in front of our eyes and the love for him rushing through our blood since birth.

He had an incredible charisma and an aura of magic surrounding him like a cloud of greatness, kindness and compassion for his people and visitors to Bahrain alike.

Our great father, Prince Khalifa, you will be missed and there are no words to describe how heavy our hearts are at hearing the news that have darkened our day. You have been a beacon of peace, love, empathy and justice since I opened my eyes and I will forever miss you.

I’m just a simple Bahraini citizen but the love I feel for our father is indescribable and he will forever be an icon in my mind, my heart and I will tell his story to my children.

Rest in Peace Baba Khalifa. You will be forever missed and you have left a void in our hearts, our country and the world that will remain empty.