Friday, June 19, 2009

In loving memory of Sekai Ayinde Williams








In loving memory of Sekai Ayinde Williams.

Sunrise 10-8-93
Sunset 6-10-09

"Tell them not to treat foster kids like this.
Tell them not to take kids from their mothers who love them.
Tell them not to treat kids bad just because they have disabilities.
It hurts their feelings."

Son of Asha-Lateef Williams
(PROMISE Peer Mentor, UMCP)

97 comments:

  1. The staff of PROMISE: Maryland's AGEP invites friends to leave messages of tribute and comfort for Asha here.

    ReplyDelete
  2. A mother's grief is hard to bear
    A son so hard to mourn
    Yet laughter came and will remain
    because Sekai was born.

    ReplyDelete
  3. May God embrace you with comfort and fill your heart with beautiful memories.
    Yvette Williams
    UMBC

    ReplyDelete
  4. There are so many things on earth...
    we simply cannot explain,
    Why those we love might leave us...
    and the rest of us remain;
    But,'til the day we see the Lord,
    and He makes all things clear,
    We will find Comfort in knowing...
    that He is always near.

    -Leona I. Miller

    ReplyDelete
  5. A Native American poem given to me that I pass on to you

    I give you this one thought to keep -
    I am with you still - I do not sleep.

    I am a thousand winds that blow,
    I am the diamond glints on snow,
    I am the sunlight on ripened grain,
    I am the gentle autumn rain.

    When you awaken in the morning's hush,
    I am the swift, uplifting rush
    of quiet birds in circled flight.
    I am the soft stars that shine at night.

    Do not think of me as gone -
    I am with you still - in each new dawn.

    ReplyDelete
  6. so sorry Asha...my condolences to you and your family. May you find strength and encouragment from friends and family of the love of our Heavenly Father.

    -Maria O. (UMB)

    ReplyDelete
  7. Asha, I have a lot of memories of you and your son, and I honestly was blessed to have known Sekai. Everytime I saw him he has a smile on his face and he was always happy to see me. As he always placed a smile on my face. Whenever you guys came into the office I was always greeted with a "Hi Ms. Tiffany" knowing I needed to go get the Wii controllers :), or to get a package for your apartment. He will be greatly missed and I am so sorry for your loss. If you need anything please dont hesitate to contact me.
    Tiffany*Camden Apartments

    ReplyDelete
  8. Psalm 9:9: The LORD is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble.

    In quiet moments, when the hurt is hard to bear, May love become your shelter and may the beauty of precious memories become your comfort. You are held in gentle thought and prayer. - Flavia

    ReplyDelete
  9. Dear Asha,
    I'm so sorry for the loss of your son. May the Lord comfort you and your family.

    --Judith Pollack , PROMISE Coordinator @UMB

    ReplyDelete
  10. The following comments are re-posted with Asha's permission from Facebook where there has been an outpouring of support. PROMISE posts them here to share.

    A foundation in Sekai's name will be established by the family of Sekai soon.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Erica Thompson (via Facebook)June 24, 2009 at 3:21 PM

    June 11, 2009, 12:16 p.m.

    asha....i don't know what to say. i just read the email and can't begin to imagine. if there is ANYTHING i can do, please don't hesitate to ask. from today, right now, you and your family are in my prayers...

    ReplyDelete
  12. Laura Moore (via Facebook)June 24, 2009 at 3:23 PM

    June 11, 2009, 12:25 p.m.

    You're in my thoughts and prayers. Please let me know if there's anything I can do.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Monica Dx (via Facebook)June 24, 2009 at 3:24 PM

    June 11 at 12:50pm

    Asha, I am praying for you and your family. Let me know if there is anything I can do.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Ranetta Hardin (via Facebook)June 24, 2009 at 3:25 PM

    June 11 at 12:54pm

    Asha, I am so very sorry. My love, prayers, and support are with you and your family, let me know if I can do anything, anything at all.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Sheri Massey (via Facebook)June 24, 2009 at 3:26 PM

    June 11 at 12:55pm

    I am at a loss for words. Please know that my heart is with you. Let me know if you need anything. I'll be on campus today and tomorrow if you need anything picked up or what not.

    ReplyDelete
  16. Toyia Younger (via Facebook)June 24, 2009 at 3:27 PM

    June 11 at 1:13pm

    Asha, I am so sorry for your loss. Please know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers!!!

    ReplyDelete
  17. Kyrie Dragoo (via Facebook)June 24, 2009 at 3:28 PM

    June 11 at 1:30pm

    Asha, you are in my thoughts and prayers. Take care.

    ReplyDelete
  18. Glen Eesha J (via Facebook)June 24, 2009 at 3:29 PM

    June 11 at 1:40pm

    Asha, I am sorry about your loss. May he rest in peace. You are in my prayers.

    ReplyDelete
  19. Chyla Carter (via Facebook)June 24, 2009 at 3:30 PM

    June 11 at 2:08pm

    Asha, you are in my prayers, just remember that God is always with you and will give you the strength to endure... set your limits and let those around you help.

    ReplyDelete
  20. Memi Miscally (via Facebook)June 24, 2009 at 3:31 PM

    June 11 at 3:34pm

    I'm sending my love and support, Asha.

    ReplyDelete
  21. Candace Jackson (via Facebook)June 24, 2009 at 3:32 PM

    June 11 at 4:10pm

    Sending you love and lifting you both up in prayer. Wishing I could be there to lend a hand and be supportive in the present. Will stay in touch with the family and see you in the coming days.

    ReplyDelete
  22. Shelly Kihnke (via Facebook)June 24, 2009 at 3:37 PM

    June 11 at 4:33pm

    Asha- I am with you and I pray for peace and wisdom for you and your family. I am here as much as you need. Sending you all my love- I have no other words .... I am speechless... much love
    Shelly

    ReplyDelete
  23. June 11 at 4:38pm

    Praying for and thinking about you, Asha. Just call or even text if I can help at all, any time.

    ReplyDelete
  24. Leshell H (via Facebook)June 24, 2009 at 3:38 PM

    My thoughts and prayers are with you....

    June 11 at 5:32pm

    ReplyDelete
  25. Rob Bartolotta (via Facebook)June 24, 2009 at 3:39 PM

    My prayers are with you, Asha.

    June 11 at 5:48pm

    ReplyDelete
  26. Cherise J. Hunter (via Facebook)June 24, 2009 at 3:40 PM

    I am incredibly sorry. My sympathy to you and your family for the loss of your beautiful son.

    June 11 at 6:26pm

    ReplyDelete
  27. Nicole Wise Williams (via Facebook)June 24, 2009 at 3:41 PM

    I have no words, but I do have prayers... and I've petitioned the Lord for His comfort...

    June 11 at 7:10pm

    ReplyDelete
  28. From David who is 7 (via Facebook)June 24, 2009 at 3:42 PM

    Dear God thank you for Asha. Please help her to not be sad, God please help him to love you. God be kind to Lamar and help him have a good time in heaven. We will miss him Amen

    ReplyDelete
  29. Chris Barthold (via Facebook)June 24, 2009 at 3:44 PM

    Ralph and I are praying and thinking of you.

    June 11 at 9:00pm

    ReplyDelete
  30. Sophoria N Westmoreland (via Facebook)June 24, 2009 at 3:46 PM

    Asha, I am praying for you and your family! May you see God in all situations.

    June 12 at 10:31am

    ReplyDelete
  31. Paul Matthews (via Facebook)June 24, 2009 at 3:47 PM

    Contact me if i can be of assistance.

    June 12 at 10:50am

    ReplyDelete
  32. Dennis A. Doster (via Facebook)June 24, 2009 at 3:48 PM

    You are definitely in my prayers!

    June 12 at 10:57am

    ReplyDelete
  33. Anita C Walker (via Facebook)June 24, 2009 at 3:49 PM

    My prayers are with you...

    June 12 at 10:58am

    ReplyDelete
  34. Maiya Clark (via Facebook)June 24, 2009 at 3:50 PM

    Asha, I am so sorry for your loss. He was in your life for such a brief period of time but a time that you will treasure forever. Lean on God in your time of sorrow. He will bring you through... He ALWAYS does.

    June 12 at 12:39pm

    ReplyDelete
  35. Jeremy Birch (via Facebook)June 24, 2009 at 3:51 PM

    That's terrible. I am SO sorry, Asha.

    June 12 at 4:32pm

    ReplyDelete
  36. Caroline Locke (via Facebook)June 24, 2009 at 3:52 PM

    Asha. I'm crying. I cannot possibly express how sorry I am. Oh, please let it not be this way.

    June 12 at 4:32pm

    ReplyDelete
  37. Amy Falk Smith (via Facebook)June 24, 2009 at 3:53 PM

    Asha, I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts are with. If there is anything I can do, please let me know.

    June 12 at 4:52pm

    ReplyDelete
  38. Alexis Holland (via Facebook)June 24, 2009 at 3:53 PM

    Asha I am truly sorry for the loss of your son. You and your family are in my prayers.

    June 12 at 4:58pm

    ReplyDelete
  39. Charles II (via Facebook)June 24, 2009 at 3:54 PM

    I'm so sorry to hear this. I'm praying for you. Let me know if you need anything.

    June 12 at 5:14pm

    ReplyDelete
  40. Gloria Anglon (via Facebook)June 24, 2009 at 3:55 PM

    Asha, your and your loved ones are in my prayers!

    June 12 at 5:35pm

    ReplyDelete
  41. Beth Hager Montanaro (via Facebook)June 24, 2009 at 3:55 PM

    Asha, I'm so sorry to hear this terrible news. I'm praying for you.

    June 12 at 5:38pm ·

    ReplyDelete
  42. Sarika S Gupta (via Facebook)June 24, 2009 at 3:56 PM

    Asha, I am so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my thoughts ...

    June 12 at 6:02pm

    ReplyDelete
  43. Barbara Boswell (via Facebook)June 24, 2009 at 3:57 PM

    I'm so sorry Asha, and am praying for you and your family.

    June 12 at 6:16pm

    ReplyDelete
  44. Nura Green (via Facebook)June 24, 2009 at 3:57 PM

    Asha Stay strong and stay faithful. Your prayers will be answered.

    June 12 at 6:43pm

    ReplyDelete
  45. David Major (via Facebook)June 24, 2009 at 3:58 PM

    Asha, I'm praying for you and your family right now.

    June 12 at 7:40pm

    ReplyDelete
  46. Catherine Ruhlen (via Facebook)June 24, 2009 at 3:59 PM

    Asha, I am so very sorry. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Stay strong.

    June 12 at 10:43pm

    ReplyDelete
  47. A chance meeting began because Asha reached out to Daniel (King Gimp) for advice and inspiration. We all met on a sunny afternoon for a keynote speaking engagement...Sekai was bold with charisma and kindness to us. Who would of thought that wonderful day would lead us to today? We are grieving, as so so many others. I had the privilege of speaking with Asha on the phone the other day to let her know that I was incredibly proud of her mothering skills and her son's aura, his beam was bright...

    Sekai's story is an example how all of us need to step up to the plate more. I want to do more, learn more, give more....of ourselves in hope that any child or adult who is going through the same kind of journey will have support along side of parents and families.

    Asha...you are strength. You are patient. You are considerate. You are noble. You are going to be tested...yet you will prevail. If you shall become weak...we are your net.

    June 13 at 12:06am

    ReplyDelete
  48. PROMISE: Maryland's AGEP for Daniel KeplingerJune 24, 2009 at 4:15 PM

    Editor's Note:

    Daniel Keplinger's (http://kinggimp.com/)post above was also sent via Facebook.

    Daniel's other posts (with his wife Dena) include discussions surrounding helping Asha with scanning the photos for Sekai's "Remember Me" DVD.

    (You have been on our minds so much...if you only knew.
    June 18 at 8:49am )

    ReplyDelete
  49. Lashale Pugh (via Facebook)June 24, 2009 at 4:17 PM

    Asha, I am so sorry to hear this. I will keep you and your family in my prayers.

    June 13 at 1:04am

    ReplyDelete
  50. Carmenita Spann-Lyles (via Facebook)June 24, 2009 at 4:18 PM

    Asha, words CANNOT express my sorrow. I will continue to ask GOD to help you be strong. If you and your family need anything, I am a phone call away.

    June 13 at 1:10am

    ReplyDelete
  51. Wendy Carter (via Facebook)June 24, 2009 at 4:24 PM

    Asha, Sorry to hear that sad news... I am adding you and your family to my prayer list.

    June 13 at 9:08am

    ReplyDelete
  52. Monica Francis Simonsen (via Facebook)June 24, 2009 at 4:24 PM

    I am sitting here trying to find the words and then realize there just are none. Love and peace to you- if you need ANYTHING please let me know.

    June 14 at 12:01am

    ReplyDelete
  53. Ndidi Amutah (via Facebook)June 24, 2009 at 4:25 PM

    My condolences...let me know if you need anything.

    June 14 at 8:32pm

    ReplyDelete
  54. Laura Polk (via Facebook)June 24, 2009 at 4:26 PM

    Asha, please know that you are in my prayers.

    June 14 at 8:42pm

    ReplyDelete
  55. Shaun Gittens (via Facebook)June 24, 2009 at 4:27 PM

    Blessings to you, Queen. Let me know if there's anything I can do for you.

    June 15 at 10:09am

    ReplyDelete
  56. Eliza Mbughuni (via Facebook)June 24, 2009 at 4:27 PM

    you are in my prayers

    June 15 at 12:16pm

    ReplyDelete
  57. Renetta Garrison Tull (via Facebook)June 24, 2009 at 4:28 PM

    My dear Asha, I returned to my email today and saw a message from Dr. Carter that led me here. I am SO sorry (tears!) and my heart goes out to you! May you be surrounded by love. Of course, you will be in my prayers continually! If ever a mother loved her child, you did! May Sekai's life be a beacon for others ... parents who will give unconditional love, teachers who will teach compassion as well as content, students who will learn that beyond statistics - there are human lives, and state administrators who will break down barriers of bureaucracy so that love can reach children quickly!

    May God grant comfort and love to you in measures above what you can ask or think, may there be peace beyond understanding, may your heart be strengthened, and may you have courage to press on.

    June 15 at 3:09pm

    ReplyDelete
  58. Jo Chakraborty (via Facebook)June 24, 2009 at 4:29 PM

    My thoughts and prayers are with you Asha.

    June 15 at 3:14pm

    ReplyDelete
  59. Kelly Kitchens (via Facebook)June 24, 2009 at 4:30 PM

    I am so sorry to hear about your loss. May God wrap His comforting arms around you and your family. Meditate on His word: 1 Thessalonians 4:13 and 1 Corinthians 15:54-55.

    June 15 at 3:29pm

    ReplyDelete
  60. Patrice Gregory (via Facebook)June 24, 2009 at 4:31 PM

    Just know that you are in my prayers. Please let me know if there is anything I can do.

    June 15 at 4:14pm

    ReplyDelete
  61. Katisha Smith (via Facebook)June 24, 2009 at 4:31 PM

    I'm so sorry for your loss Asha, my prayers and thoughts are with you.

    June 15 at 4:48pm

    ReplyDelete
  62. Geriel E.M. (via Facebook)June 24, 2009 at 4:32 PM

    Hello Asha, sorry to hear about your loss. May God protect you and your family, Psalms 23. I will keep you in my prayers.

    June 15 at 5:11pm

    ReplyDelete
  63. Brijet Burton (via Facebook)June 24, 2009 at 4:32 PM

    Asha, my heart goes out to you. I will keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

    June 15 at 10:12pm

    ReplyDelete
  64. Editor's Note:

    JUNE 15

    Virtual gifts and prayers were sent by

    Patricia Joseph
    Kyrie Dragoo
    Ebony Dashiell-Aje
    Mikel Foster
    Caroline Locke

    ReplyDelete
  65. Sabrina Woods (via Facebook)June 24, 2009 at 4:47 PM

    You are in my prayers. I am so sorry for your loss.

    June 16 at 12:15am ·

    ReplyDelete
  66. Carmenita Spann-Lyles (via Facebook)June 24, 2009 at 4:48 PM

    Asha, just wanted to stop by again to let you know that I am still lifting you and your family in prayer.

    June 16 at 9:31pm ·

    ReplyDelete
  67. Anupama Kothari (via Facebook)June 24, 2009 at 4:48 PM

    Asha- you and your family are in our prayers. May god give you and yours the strength to bear this loss. Please let me and Kunal know if you need anything.

    June 16 at 11:08pm

    ReplyDelete
  68. Laura Moore (via Facebook)June 24, 2009 at 4:49 PM

    I will keep you in my prayers. I'm so sorry and please let me know if there's anything I can do.

    June 17 at 7:31am ·

    ReplyDelete
  69. Brigette Lumpkins (via Facebook)June 24, 2009 at 4:56 PM

    Asha, I am so sad to hear about Sekai. You and your family are in my thoughts. Sending you love and strength.

    June 18 at 1:11am

    ReplyDelete
  70. Dena & Danny Keplinger, Robert Holder (Via Facebook)June 24, 2009 at 5:01 PM

    [Regarding the making of Sekai's "Remeber Me" DVD]

    We can do this. Just let me know what you need and we can make it happen. Is the service today? I can take the day off and meet with you to assist in any way.

    Could you please call me, we would love to be of help.

    Love Dena and Danny



    Just now getting this. Still a need?
    -Robert Holder

    ReplyDelete
  71. Karin Wurttemberger (via Facebook)June 24, 2009 at 5:02 PM

    Asha, I have been "out" lately and just heard. I simply don't know what to say. I am heartbroken for your loss. Being a mom there is so much I am feeling for you right now I can't put into words. I will pray for you and your family. I am here if you need to talk.

    June 18 at 8:36am

    ReplyDelete
  72. Natasha Price Sewell (via Facebook)June 24, 2009 at 5:03 PM

    Asha, I am so sorry for your loss. Please know that you are in my prayers. xo

    June 18 at 10:27am

    ReplyDelete
  73. Alison Struble Holden (via Facebook)June 24, 2009 at 5:04 PM

    Oh Asha. I have no words. I will be there if I can. I love you so much.

    June 18 at 2:30pm

    ReplyDelete
  74. Kathryn Young (via Facebook)June 24, 2009 at 5:05 PM

    I am so sorry for your loss, I'm so grateful he had such an amazingly thoughtful Mother, if even for only a short while. God bless you and your family.

    June 18 at 2:48pm

    ReplyDelete
  75. Alicia Dixon (via Facebook)June 24, 2009 at 5:06 PM

    Asha, I am sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my prayers.

    June 18 at 2:55pm

    ReplyDelete
  76. Ryan Moore (via Facebook)June 24, 2009 at 5:07 PM

    Asha,

    I'm thinking about you in this very sad time. heartbreaking news to hear though i am so glad to see how many wonderful people you have to rely on for support.

    June 18 at 6:31pm

    ReplyDelete
  77. Kimberly Coleman (via Facebook)June 24, 2009 at 5:08 PM

    Asha, I am lifting you up in prayer moment by moment. I am sorry that I cannot be with you in person to provide a listening ear, strong shoulder, or helping hand. Know that the Father who created Sekai had/has a plan - and HIS plans always fork for the good of them (YOU) who loves Him. Praise Him, even in the midst of your tears, for the time you and your son had together. He will heal your heart. Be blessed, my sister.

    June 18 at 8:10pm

    ReplyDelete
  78. Erica Taylor (via Facebook)June 24, 2009 at 5:08 PM

    Asha, I just got the news. Please know that my prayers are with you.

    June 18 at 10:38pm

    ReplyDelete
  79. Sabrina Moriconi (via Facebook)June 24, 2009 at 5:12 PM

    Asha, I'm so terribly sorry. He was blessed to have you as a mother, always cherish those memories and you will get through this. You'll be in my thoughts.

    June 19 at 2:00am

    ReplyDelete
  80. Yves Ngu (via Facebook)June 24, 2009 at 5:12 PM

    Asha, I am deeply sorry to hear about the death of your beloved son, Sekai.
    I pray that the love of God enfolds you during your journey through grief.

    "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your paths straight." Proverbs 3:5-6

    June 19 at 8:45am ·

    ReplyDelete
  81. Stacey Simmons-Williams (via Facebook)June 24, 2009 at 5:14 PM

    Asha, I'm am extremely sorry for your lost; my prayers are with you.

    June 19 at 8:54am

    ReplyDelete
  82. Julie Schwarz Rohowits (via Facebook)June 24, 2009 at 5:16 PM

    Asha, I am so sorry for your loss. You and he were so blessed to have each other if only for a short period. I';m so sorry I can't be there for the funeral. Much love to you.

    June 19 at 3:17pm ·

    ReplyDelete
  83. Patricia Ordóñez (via Facebook)June 24, 2009 at 5:17 PM

    Asha, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Having been thru a loss recently, I wanted to tell you to sleep. He will visit you in your dreams. Sending you all my love and compassion.

    June 19 at 3:42pm

    ReplyDelete
  84. Marguerite Daniels (via Facebook)June 24, 2009 at 5:18 PM

    Asha, words can't express the deep condolences I feel for the loss of your beloved son. May God bless and guide you through this difficult period. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

    June 19 at 3:43pm

    ReplyDelete
  85. Farhaana Nyamekye (via Facebook)June 24, 2009 at 5:18 PM

    I'm sorry about your loss. You will be in my thoughts and prayers.

    June 20 at 9:07am

    ReplyDelete
  86. Mycah ♥ Wilson (via Facebook)June 24, 2009 at 5:19 PM

    I am so sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this time.

    June 20 at 1:04pm

    ReplyDelete
  87. Heather Holden (via Facebook)June 24, 2009 at 5:20 PM

    Asha,

    I am so saddened to hear about your loss. Please know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. May God surround you with his love in this time.

    June 20 at 4:48pm

    ReplyDelete
  88. Jamal Okon (via Facebook)June 24, 2009 at 5:23 PM

    My deepest sympathies and condolenses. I am praying for both you and your family.

    Mon at 10:47am

    ReplyDelete
  89. Kathryn Young (via Facebook)June 24, 2009 at 5:24 PM

    I'm thinking of you today, stay strong, God bless

    Yesterday at 1:06pm

    ReplyDelete
  90. H. Frank Neely (via Facebook)June 24, 2009 at 5:24 PM

    Prayers to you and your family

    Yesterday at 1:25pm

    ReplyDelete
  91. Contessa Stern (via Facebook)June 24, 2009 at 5:26 PM

    Hugs and love from my family to yours.

    Asha let me know when you have the foundation info. I want to put a link on my nonprofit website.

    June 23

    ReplyDelete
  92. Angela Chan Jackson (via Facebook)June 24, 2009 at 5:27 PM

    You've been in my thoughts and prayers every single day. I'm glad to see you back on Facebook keeping his spirit alive. Tomorrow at snack time I will be sure to have a moment of silence and have the kids lift their juice box in his honor. Wishing you many continued blessings and strength. Love ya!

    at 4:13pm June 23

    ReplyDelete
  93. Friends of Asha (via Facebook)June 24, 2009 at 5:29 PM

    Prayers and thoughts sent on June 24:


    Julie Schwarz Rohowits at 2:33am June 24
    I wish I could come over




    Mickel Foster at 3:31am June 24
    Praying for you honey.



    Ayanna Vest at 6:25am June 24
    I'm so sorry honey.



    Adria Lawson at 7:26am June 24
    Asha you are in my prayers!!




    Chris Barthold at 8:18am June 24
    Be easy on yourself right now. You're in my prayers.



    Anupama Kothari at 2:03pm June 24
    Hold on Asha. You are in our prayers!

    ReplyDelete
  94. Serenella Linares (via Facebook)June 24, 2009 at 5:31 PM

    I will have you in my prayers. Hugs.

    June 24

    ReplyDelete
  95. Thank you all for your kind words, sympathy, prayers, encouragement, support, concern, assistance, and more...and for remembering my sweet boy.
    Asha
    Sekai's Ma

    ReplyDelete
  96. http://remembersekai.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  97. My thoughts and prayers remain with you and your family. He has a beautiful smile and a laughter that brightened a room. He has a keen sense of humor and a love of practically everything! He will be missed by all who knew him and sad to understand that those who never met him have lost out.

    ReplyDelete

We invite PROMISE members to offer tributes to loved ones who have inspired them.

When a student goes to grad school, he/she is usually thinking about the excitement of new classes, the promise of the Ph.D., the effect that he/she will have on the world with newly acquired expertise. But when "life happens" (e.g. a loved one passes away) it is unexpected, and unplanned. This site is dedicated to those loved ones who have passed away, to those persons who are alive and continue to encourage, and to you, the grad students who are determined to press forward to continue to achieve your goals.

Feel free to post thoughts, photos, stories ... your tributes.