Stubborn Goat, My Old Friend – Remembering Ridwan

It’s hard to speak about Ridwan in the past tense. His energy, his laughter, and that unmistakable spark in his eyes made it feel like he’d always be around, ready with a joke, a playful tease, or a spontaneous invitation to dance.

Ridwan wasn’t just a friend, he was a force of nature.

We remember Ridwan as a fun, silly, light-hearted soul. He had the rare gift of bringing laughter into any room, of breaking the ice with a single comment, and of lifting spirits without ever seeming to try. He loved life and he lived it boldly, freely, and unapologetically.

But today, let’s also talk about that other side of him. The one we all knew too well. Ridwan, the stubborn goat.

Yes, Ridwan was as stubborn as they come. Once he set his mind to something, whether it was an idea, an argument, gosh! How many times I shouted at him ?! there was no changing it. He held his ground with the strength of a mountain and the humor of a stand up comic. We rolled our eyes, we challenged him, we laughed and more often than not, we gave in.

Because, truthfully, we loved him for it. His stubbornness was part of his charm, a sign of his passion, his integrity, and his fiercely independent spirit.

And we know, wherever he is now, he’s laughing at us. Laughing with us. Watching as we remember him, maybe shaking his head and saying, “Finally! You’re talking about how right I always was!”

Ridwan would not want us to dwell too long in sorrow. He would want us to celebrate loudly. He would want music, dancing, stories, and laughter. He would want us to carry him forward in joy. Because that’s how he lived, and that’s how he would want to be remembered.

So here’s to Ridwan. To his joy, his jokes, his fierce loyalty, and yes ! his glorious, goat like stubbornness.

We miss you, old friend. And until we meet again, we’ll keep dancing.