What are some lessons Salh learned from her ayeeyo, and how did they help her face challenges throughout childhood as well as her adult life?

As a child, Salh learned a deep sense of courage and independence from her fearless ayeeyo. What are some lessons Salh learned from her ayeeyo, and how did they help her face challenges throughout childhood as well as her adult life? In what ways was Salh's grandmother different from the other Somali women in Salh's life?

One of the most meaningful lessons that Salh learned from her ayeeyo is captured in this quote “I never saw my ayeeyo in despair or waiting for a man to save her life” (page 290). This life lesson of self-reliance is reflected in Salh’s initiative and the actions she took which lead to her survival on multiple occasions.

Her ayeeyo was a dominant woman doing a man’s role (working with camels) in a traditional culture that considered a woman subservient as such she was a unique role model.

I agree with Gabi analysis of Salh’s strength as a women in a culture that restrictive in the expectations of women. Even when she was sent to live as a nomad at such a young age she was very observant of her environment and how to survive in it and this was a foundation for her determination to live the life she wanted and eventually come to a new country and thrive as a women.

She taught her very important life lessons and gave her a foundation of love that she needed for the rest of her life. She taught her how to survive her male dominated life and helped her accept things she could not change. And she taught her physical survival in a harsh and often cruel land.

Sahl learned to work hard, be grateful for what she had, and take nothing for granted from her ayeeyo. I think many of these lessons were able to sustain her through larger life changing events like fleeing a civil war, and living in an orphanage, but also through the smaller things (which sometimes are actually big things too) like an abusive father or family members who would beat you based on rumors. I think she also learned the importance of the small miracles in life: a beautiful sunset, finding a full well, and a good friend. I saw so many terrible things happen TO Sahl, yet she didn't wrestle with trying to take control or fall apart in a heap of self pity. She was able to adapt and pivot.

Her ayeeyo taught her to "just get on with it" and "do what needs doing," not to dwell on what could not be changed but look for what she can do to make her life better.

Sahl learned so much from her ayeeyo but mostly to be strong a person no matter what challenges you face whether one needs to show you can do as well as a man can or the general life challenges and yes have emotions but do not let that dominate you.

I not only agree with what has been written previously but also humility. Everyone remarks about her beauty but she doesn't rely on it to survive.

Sahl learned to be strong and independent as she faced all the obstacles that would come her way.