As the foundation moves forward and searches for new projects, we wanted to find a way to remember Gulae. We would like to share what she means to us, through the stories from our friends and family. If you would like to share your own story, you can submit to SMAjournals@gmail.com
Asslamoalaikum, I am Amel, the (close to) youngest cousin of Gulae and I wanted to share some memories of Gulae that I have! There are so many that I don’t know if I can even write them all if I wanted to but I selected a few that truly have changed me and gave me a sense of happiness that I got to have so many memories with her:
One memory I remember was when we attended a relative’s birthday party and I remember looking around and thinking “Who can I hang out with?” because it looked as if there were only aunties and babies around. Then Gulae walked in. I was so glad she came because I knew I would have a blast talking with her! Throughout the party, I couldn’t believe the time ran out so quickly because Gulae and I talked continuously and It was so much fun to have Gulae talking to me like my older sister and I remember how much fun I had that day.
When I was going through a tough time, I remember Gulae coming over and just lending her immense love, support, and kindness. I remember her voice and her smile. She radiated the room with so much of her light. She would always check on me through her texts when she couldn’t be with me. I will miss my sweet older sister/ cousin.
– Amel Kohli
Some of my favorite memories with Gulae were the simplest. When we first moved into our new apartment we adopted our cat Malala. To say “she was excited about our furry new child” would be an understatement. I remember the first day Malala came home, I came back from work and I walked in to Malala calmly sitting on our ottoman with Gulae carefully holding her paw. Malala wasn’t fighting it. She seemed to be enjoying this pampering from her new mom. As I approach, I take a closer look and realize she had put bright pink claw caps over her nails. Not only that, she had a brand new shiny pink sequin collar and was surrounded by what looked like the entire cat toy section from Target. I couldn’t help but laugh, pink bow, pink nails, she left no doubt that this was her cat. She had her unique way of putting her touch on everything and our cat was no different. She’d always joke ‘Namath, Malala is me in cat form!’ and especially now that gives me comfort, like a part of her is always with me.
– Namath Ali
Sophia Mahmood Ali Foundation 