All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us.” J.R. ‘So do I,’ said Gandalf, ‘and so do all who live to see such times. “I wish it need not have happened in my time,’ said Frodo. Heaven knows anyone's life can stand a little of that.” 'That in itself is a tremendous thing.after all, what's a life anyway? We're born, we live a little while, we die.By helping you, perhaps I was trying to lift up my life a trifle. “You have been my friend,' replied Charlotte. Aysel Seran in My Heart and Other Black Holes

Maybe all anyone ever needs is for someone to notice them, to observe them.'

Maybe that's what love really boils down to - having someone who cares enough to pay attention so that you're encouraged to travel and transfer, to make your potential energy spark into kinetic energy. I once read in my physics book that the universe begs to be observed, that energy travels and transfers when people pay attention. This is a reminder to Aref, that his trip is a sign of freedom to explore more of the world by going to Michigan, and that he will eventually be returning home. When Aref is allowed to have the falcon sit on his arm and then launch him into the air, he admires the bird's freedom and his ability to return back to the falconer. Aref and Sidi unexpectedly encounter a falconer named Jamal the falconer and his falcon, Fil-Fil. No matter where Aref runs, Sidi can still see him, allowing Aref to realize that distance will not separate them.Īt the camp. Sidi has Aref run around the camp while he sits in a chair and watches. By staying connected, Aref will know what is going on in Muscat. His grandfather tells Aref that they will be connected, that if necessary he will take a computer class at the library to learn how to use email. He tells Aref to use the stones to help him think of the different places they have visited.Īt the Night of A Thousand Stars camp, Aref discovers the possibility of hope. Sidi gives Aref a stone as a memento at each place they visit: for example, a flatstone which he draws a smile on and the brown stone with grey speckles from the first beach they visit, the strange orange speckled stone from a meteorite.

The turtle of oman by naomi shihab nye