In the Presence of Absence: A Eulogy for Dr. Hadi Badran, Who Chose Gaza Over His Illness
We bid farewell to the well-mannered, noble human being, Dr. Hadi Badran, who, in his final year, wrote the most remarkable pages of sacrifice and loyalty, inscribing indelible lines of generosity and courage in the book of humanity, despite being in the midst of pain and suffering.
I met him at a time that seemed late chronologically, but it was early in my heart. Once our relationship began, it quickly deepened, as if our souls had an old bond. The communication grew stronger, respect multiplied, and I discovered qualities in him that are rare to find in one man: noble character, genuine humility, unyielding determination, and refined manners that never left him, whether in speech or action.
He carried in his chest a malignant tumor that invaded his lungs and reached its fourth stage, the most severe stage of the illness. But when you sat with him, you felt nothing but optimism. He didn’t speak of pain; instead, he planted hope, smiled in the face of agony, and laughed to reassure those around him. He saw his illness as nothing more than a passing cold, downplaying its significance not out of disregard, but out of faith and surrender.
Unwavering Courage in the Face of Illness
Then came his unforgettable decision: to travel to Gaza, volunteering to treat the wounded and sick amidst the flames of war and the siege. His doctors, family, and loved ones stood in awe of his resolve, trying to dissuade him, hoping he would stay by his white bed… but he refused. He rejected being a silent witness and moved forward.
He went to offer whatever medicine and hope he could amidst the bleeding wounds of Gaza. He treated, supported, and uplifted spirits. He was not just a doctor; he was a balm walking on two feet. Then he returned, not to complain, but to tell stories, not to mourn, but to inspire. He returned to encourage others to give, to reaffirm that a person is not measured by the weakness of their body, but by the strength of their heart.
In his final moments of illness, I visited him to relieve some of his fatigue, but I found that he was the one lifting my sorrow and filling me with hope I didn’t know where it came from. He was, may God have mercy on him, like an inexhaustible spring, nourishing you while you think it is he who needs to be nourished.
A Doctor, a Healer, and an Inspiration to Others
I wonder, is it written for us in this life to quickly lose those we love sincerely? It’s as if life refuses to give us enough time to savor their presence. The more the heart clings, the closer the hour of departure approaches. It’s as if this world, in its haste, grants the rose only a short season, leaving its fragrance in our memories.
We regret. We regret every minute we didn’t live with them, every connection we delayed, every meeting we postponed. We say, “I wish I had known him longer,” “I wish I had been closer.” But “I wish” doesn’t bring back the lost, nor does it return the past time.
Dr. Hadi Badran, may God have mercy on him, was one of those rare souls who resembled pure roses: their presence is radiant, their fragrance unforgettable, but they don’t stay long. They depart at the height of their giving, bidding you farewell with a smile, leaving you bewildered by their loss, as if you’ve lost part of yourself.
May God have mercy on you, Dr. Hadi, and may your illness be a means of elevation for you, your efforts in Gaza an enduring witness, and your struggle ink flowing in your record. You were a true image of mercy and giving, and your legacy will remain a beacon for all who knew you.
We will miss you greatly, but we know that great souls do not die; they leave an indelible mark… and remain in us as long as loyalty endures.
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