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Letter to Tarik from
Mom:
Dear Tarik,
Where are you? I miss your bright sunny smile and huge twinkling brown eyes. I
think often of your relaxed, easy going manner….never rushed and eager to
listen.
Sometimes your “laid back” manner would disturb me….as you never seemed bothered
with responsibilities like bill paying or getting to appointments on time. It
was like “time” did not matter in your world….as it was so precious that you
made the most of each moment. You did not waste time with all the stress that
comes with rushing through each precious moment of the day. You seemed to have
figured out life, and I only wish we could have learned this lesson from you by
just slowing down.
And who cares about paying bills on time…they will always be there…but we may
not….
You took time to smell the roses, enjoy the sunsets, and noticed the little
things like a child’s laughter or an old couple holding hands in a park.
Tarik I learned so much from you….and I feel badly that I never told you how
much your inner knowledge amazed me. I reflect back on all the lectures I gave
you about life….and how you quietly listened…your wisdom far beyond what I could
only imagine. But you listened when most people would have argued and challenged
my judgment.
Tarik…..when I think of you I smile because you had the innocence of a small
child. You only saw the good in people…when I (an adult & parent) would
sometimes only see only the bad. Again you taught me…and I thank you…and I
believe this lesson is called “Unconditional Love”.
Your laughter was infectious…and your humor dry and witty. You had the ability
to joke and make fun of people without being cruel…and could tell a story about
something as simple as a trip to a supermarket and it seemed to be an adventure.
You would have made a wonderful father…but did not have that opportunity.
You attracted people like a magnet but still remained humble, and I don’t think
you knew how much you were loved by all. But being loved back was not an
issue….you kept giving more and more of yourself.
Your passion for natural health and helping people was probably the most
beautiful aspect of who you really were. I saw the light in your eyes when you
researched their illnesses…with such dedication that you sometimes skipped meals
to continue the research. You gave them hope but most important…love.
You had the compassion to listen for hours to friend’s problems and took it upon
yourself to heal them in any way possible. Once again…never asking for anything
in return.
I don’t think you realized how many people you reached out and touched….and how
you left a footprint in their hearts. Tarik where are you?
I loved your comparisons of animals to people (from your Native American Indian
book). I remember that Dad and I were birds….Ali a Cheetah…and you a giraffe.
You had a certain style…wrinkled slacks….faded t-shirt with holes…and a grey
wool baseball cap. As hard as I tried to change you….you always remained who you
were…Tarik. You were comfortable with whom you were…and never tried to impress
people or change to please people. Everyone who met you saw your inner essence
and not your clothes. Only you Tarik could pull that off! You always reminded me
that we are merely spiritual beings temporarily in a physical body. The beauty
in people lives
within….
This past Christmas you taught me a very valuable lesson. When you moved out of
your apartment in Houston, and allowed the two homeless people to use your
apartment as it was already paid for until the end of the month, I was upset
with you and was more concerned about how it looked to the concierge of the
building. You just wanted them to have a warm place to stay for Christmas. You
captured the true meaning of Christmas…and once again you taught me.
Tarik you got Lasik surgery on your eyes two weeks before your accident, and
told me how wonderful it was to see…like someone turning on a light and seeing
the vibrance of colors. Tarik…you did not need to see…as you already had an
inner vision and could see the world and its people with a clarity none of us
would ever have, and we in a sense are blind.
Christmas’s will never be the same without you…and neither will any holidays…or
moments in my life for that matter. My heart is broken and a part of me died
with you on March 27th…..
Tarik…where are you???
Love,
Mom |
