Thank you for sharing Um Na’im’s story, Nada. My understanding is that it is sign of respect, calling someone after their eldest son’s name instead of using their first name. And she becomes even more elevated because you call her Um Na’im, after her adopted son. What a beautiful tradition.

The black brush stroke is a meaningful addition, much like a scar or subtle contamination, yet very present. I, too, am curious as to how the portrait would have changed if you saw her again. However, through the lens of your painting, I feel that she was strong of mind and spirit so the person she was would only falter, not fail. Perhaps another portrait would not be so different as she still had hope and the will to live for her grandchildren.