Lindsay Razaq: We cling to family in turbulent times

LIKE many people, I can remember exactly where I was when I heard the news of Princess Diana’s death – staying on Ol Kokwe Island in the middle of Lake Baringo in Kenya.

I heard a presenter talking about the tragic events on the BBC World Service and went to tell my parents.

They didn’t believe me at first and my mum went to check.

Living in East Africa, we were to some extent distanced from the unprecedented outpouring of grief that swept the UK, although at school in Nairobi, there was the chance to write letters of condolence to the young princes.

I am almost exactly the same age as Prince Harry and recall wondering how anyone at 12 could cope with such a devastating loss.

I don’t usually watch programmes about the royals but made an exception last week when Baby Razaq was keeping me awake with a particularly impressive kicking spell.

The thing that struck me from the interviews with William and Harry was how much they felt their mother’s love.

I too have been blessed with the most loving of parents and – as my due date fast approaches and I go on maternity leave – hope this is something my child will be able to say about me.

Clearly all the practical stuff is important and we won’t always agree. But as my brother, sister and I knew when we were growing up, hopefully he or she will feel secure that they are loved even during the fights.

As my mum used to put it (and sometimes still does): “I love you, I just don’t like you very much at the moment.”

The love of your friends and family is all you can count on really when it comes down to it and Baby Razaq will certainly need it as much as anyone else.

For though I’m obviously excited about our new beginning, I’m also sad about bringing him or her into a world full of so much hate and aggression.

I’m not easily scared, but the ongoing nuclear standoff between Donald Trump and North Korea is truly frightening.

“Talking is not the answer,” the US President declared following the missile test over Japan. It’s hard to see either party backing down.

We are also living with the constant threat of terror attacks, happening around the globe with increasing regularity.

I will never forget what I saw from my Westminster office window on March 22 and was anxious for weeks afterwards, but you learn to live with that fear – in itself a disturbing thought.

Then there’s the refugee crisis, the plight of desperate families – and often children on their own – attempting whatever it takes for a better life, or any kind of life at all. There are so many more examples I could give.

As one of your columnists over the past year and a bit, with the privilege of looking at some of these issues in depth, I’ve found it’s easy to become overwhelmed by all the suffering.

But I’ve always tried to focus on what’s within my control and make a difference where possible – whether that be supporting a charity, helping to raise awareness about a particular cause or simply a few kind words for someone in need.

Not everyone can make an impact on the scale of Princess Diana, but we can all try to be the very best version of ourselves.

And if that’s the only thing Baby Razaq takes away from what I tell him or her, I’ll be satisfied.