08/08/2025
I cannot believe that it has been 5 years since you left us! I miss you so much—miss our talks, suggestions, counsel, and most of all, your presence. I know that you are in a better place, and that your greatest wish was to serve your patients until your dying breath. I know that on August 4-5, 2020, you got to do just that! I still remember the frequent phone calls that day, informing me of family, friends, and patients who were seeking our help to get sutured and who couldn't find an emergency room to take them in. When I went to clean the glass from your house, which you had kicked out, you said, "go clean your clinic and let the patients in." You stayed up late only when you found out I had started seeing and suturing the wounded. The next day, you asked me about every patient as if we were doing rounds! My last conversation with you was at noon, and you said, "I am waiting for you." Dad, you dedicated yourself to your family, friends, and profession like no one else. You will always be , , and , as well as —more than the best role model anyone could ever ask for! Love you and miss you so much. On Wednesday, August 5, 2020, I lost my father, Dr. Sameer I. Shehadi, a devoted husband, great father, and grandfather who dedicated his life to the service of others until the very last day and minute. You gave me the strength to persevere and to clean our clinic to serve the casualties of the horrific blast that devastated Beirut. You wanted me to get it up and running to care for those who couldn't make it to the hospitals and who were overwhelmed. Until the very end, you stayed updated, asking me about each patient I saw, their injuries, and their care until the very last minute before you left. Miss you, Dad!
