Alzheimer’s disease stole almost every memory from Sarah’s 94-year-old grandmother, yet she can still recall and sing Fairuz’s timeless music.
Salha Tabbouche, born in 1930 in the South of Lebanon had always had a typical Lebanese morning routine which consisted of having a cup of coffee whilst listening to Fairuz.
After Alzheimer’s took almost every memory from her, Fairuz’s melodies and lyrics – imprinted onto every Lebanese person’s mind – proved to be a link to Salha’s past.
Fairuz’s songs have remained well preserved and vivid in her mind, linking her to her homeland and identity, despite Alzheimer’s disease’s efforts to erase them.
Fairuz, Lebanon’s most iconic voice, has shaped Lebanese culture for decades. Her songs are not only great music to listen to, but they have always been a representation of joy, Lebanese struggles, and most of all, hope.
Her voice has also become a symbol of unity and resilience throughout the Arab world, crossing borders as well as generations.
As Salha’s recollection falters and begins to fade, and as Alzheimer’s continues to steal most of her memories, Fairuz’s voice remains an anchor to her past.
Sarah told 961 that her grandmother had forgotten many things and couldn’t even recall her relatives’ names, but “she somehow can remember some Fairuz songs, and singing them brings her joy.”
The familiar melodies and lyrics carved into her soul for decades offer her short moments of clarity and joy into memories long forgotten and erased by the disease.
Fairuz’s songs are not just nostalgic music, but they also represent the beating heart of Lebanon’s culture, reflecting its history, emotions, and hopes for the future.
For Sarah’s grandmother Salha, and many others, the songs represent who they are, where they come from, and their aspirations. They stand in the face of Alzheimer’s to showcase culture’s true role in shaping our identity.
