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Noah Abdelnaby
Hello Friends and Parents,
It has been very trying time for us and our extended family. Thank you all for your support and the tremendous out pour of love. Please accept our apologies for the late reply. Please forgive us for avoiding or being distracted in our own thoughts when you see us.
The day of Noah's burial was an AMAZING day for Brigida and I. We had no idea that so many people cared to show up from fellow school children parents, teachers, co-workers, youth group friends, soccer families, college friends, neighbors and on and on. Our hearts were not sad at all at that moment but very uplifted. I can tell you feeling spiritually aware that Noah is so blessed to have all these people come see him. People who knew him personally, and people who only knew of him came to attend his procession.
Reflecting on Noah and his impact on Silver Spur Elementary can be summed up as an
"Ambassador" to coexistence and understanding of all religions and faiths; especially his own faith of being Muslim. Brigida and I always instilled in Noah that people / faith is like a wonderful field of various flowers each with its own scent and colors and all together making that wonderful "bouquet of life". That was Noah's goal to ensure that others understood him for him, his beliefs and his character rather than being feared by what they see on TV or in the media.
Noah was also very witty boy that used words and logic to his advantage. Much like all boys his age in the 2nd grade he resisted doing his homework in Ms. Woodward's class - sorry about that Ms. Woodward. He actually told Brigida, "I can work on getting good grades or behaving well in class, but I cannot promise both. So, choose one". This was so typical of his usage of the English language to outwit adults he interacted with throughout his life.
Noah was not into the typical boy things for his age; such as, Power Rangers, Star Wars or even Pokémon. Rather Noah loved ancient history. In particular his love of the ancient culture of golden age of Egypt, China and Japan. He could talk hours upon hours with you on these subjects to the point that you would never want to watch another Indiana Jones movie again.
Noah was always interested in conversation, anyone (especially adults) he crossed was his opportunity to share his thoughts. He sometimes complained of being teased or hurt by kids he interacted with. As a parent, I sometimes would suggest comebacks to comments that were painful to him. He would always listen to my comments but reply to me that maybe if he bought the kid a toy or cookie things would be better. He had patience and love for everyone and that was one of his gifts.
It is true that I have my own guilt of pushing him on homework, studies, and behavior. I know that this is a parent's duty to raise upstanding children, but it will be a heavy guilt I will feel in the late hours at night. Just take time out to hug, kiss and hold the child as intensely. Do not forget that life is fleeting and do not allow yourself to be caught up in it. As one of my favorite songwriter wrote, "life is what happens to you when you are busy making other plans" - John Lennon.
I can clearly remember Brigida had a tough early pregnancy with Noah. As a matter fact, she bled very badly and we had thought that she would lose Noah. It was during the ultrasound that our doctor stated, "you are not going to believe this but the heart is fully strong and his heart rate is incredible!" I clearly recall hugging Brigida tightly and getting into my car and hearing U2's Beautiful Day - that became Noah's song. It was the same song that I played in my car when I let him go.
See the world in green and blue
See China right in front of you
See the canyons broken by cloud
See the tuna fleets clearing the sea out
See the Bedouin fires at night
See the oil fields at first light
See the bird with a leaf in her mouth
After the flood all the colors came out
It was a beautiful day
A beautiful day
Don't let it get away
Our loss is great, our hearts are forever broken but his remembrance is strong.
Thank you,
Muke, Brigida, Dean and Ali
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