Rose Savannah Islam, Aapon

Rose was born in a suburban hospital near the twin cities. Her paternal grandfather has travelled from Bangladesh to receive her. He is a reputed film maker there. Her father, Joy Islam, was a founder member of the first rock band in his country. He was left heart broken when his childhood friends and other founder members began to emigrate in search of better lives. Till then he had believed that life in ‘Shonaar Baangla’ was the best on earth. With his friends gone and with them the music in his blood, he grew restless and took flight too.

He made himself a new life in the land of opportunities. He lives in Minneapolis with two large dogs and the rest of his family which now includes Rose. He believes his daughter who was 23” long and 9 pounds at birth has his hair, nose, lips, eyes and fingers but also looks a wee bit like her mom Ann Marie.

Rose’s maternal grandfather differs completely on this matter. He should know too, after all he had once held the new born mother in his arms just as he holds her daughter today.

Joy’s parents have named their new joy, ‘Aapon’ which in Bangla means Our Own.

Aapon’s grandmother explained with misty eyes, “Okey to kaachhey paabo na kono din taayi aapon korey niye jaayi.”

Since we will never have her with us we want to carry her home in our hearts.