Tuesday, December 5, 2017

Sometimes we don't know why...

Lately, I have been doing a lot of thinking about life and mortality. I recently lost my dear cousin, TK, and have been thinking a lot about him and his legacy. I dedicate this blog post to him and the amazing impact he had on my life. 

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TK during our time together in Asmara (2010).

TK is one of the most selfless, kind, reliable, tenacious, and generous people I have ever met. He would give you his last dollar, the clothes off his back, and his last bite of food. He was more concerned about helping others than himself. He would go out of his way to help you and did not mind being inconvenienced. He had big dreams and goals of traveling, continuing his education, coming to America, and accomplishing many of his ambitions. Recently, God saw it fit for him to come home. Though it is difficult to say goodbye to my dear cousin, TK, he taught me so many amazing life lessons. I am so grateful for the time we had together. 

When I was in Eritrea in 2010, TK and I lived together for six months. He watched out for me, helped me navigate around town, went grocery shopping with me, cooked with me, and we had many laughs and good times together. He even got together with my friends there and was part of a surprise birthday party for me in Asmara. I am so grateful for everything that TK has done for me and my family. Most importantly, I am grateful for who TK was. His character is like no other. He truly is one in a million. To be so wise and mature at his age is astonishing. He was always showing kindness to others and sharing words of encouragement.

  •  I remember when I was having trouble with an administrator in Asmara in getting some important documents, It was TK who went back and forth with me to the office to help translate for me and to ensure that I was understanding everything completely.
  • It was TK who picked me up pretty much every day from the orphanage in Asmara where I was volunteering to walk me to his parents house for lunch.
  • It was TK who was making dinner one night despite the power outage. I was complaining of the long day, power outage, and being hungry and so I sat in the living room frustrated. TK was in the kitchen chopping up onions for dinner with only a candle lighting his view. In that moment, I said to myself, "I have no reason to complain," His actions of humility, perseverance, and resilience inspired me on a whole new level.

TK taught me so many things about life, struggles, joy, and many other things. TK was full of wisdom, hope, dreams, goodness, and light.

Below are the top #TKTaughtMe lessons:
  • No matter how many times you have to start again and no matter how many times you hear, "no," never give up.
  • No matter who is watching you, maintain your integrity.
  • Why complain when you can be patient and have faith in God.
  • When the door opens for you, don't walk...but run through it.
  • Take advantage of opportunities to the fullest.
  • Be patient and wait your turn. God has great things for you.
  • If the door is closed, look for a window. If the window is closed, look for a a chimney. If there isn't an entrance, create one.
  • Always be grateful.
  • Always keep hope alive.
  • Always keep God first.


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One of TK's favorite books.

One of his favorite books was Of Beetles & Angels by Mawi Asgedom. A great book about perseverance and never giving up. 

TK, I know you are in heaven looking down on us. You are indeed an angel in the true definition of the word. I am grateful to have had time with you while you were here with us. I will love you always and will keep your legacy alive. The many things you taught me I will not forget. Instead, I will apply them to my life. Rest easy my dear cousin.

With you in spirit,
Rahwa