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)
The staff of PROMISE: Maryland's AGEP invites friends to leave messages of tribute and comfort for Asha here.
ReplyDeleteA mother's grief is hard to bear
ReplyDeleteA son so hard to mourn
Yet laughter came and will remain
because Sekai was born.
May God embrace you with comfort and fill your heart with beautiful memories.
ReplyDeleteYvette Williams
UMBC
There are so many things on earth...
ReplyDeletewe 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
A Native American poem given to me that I pass on to you
ReplyDeleteI 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.
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.
ReplyDelete-Maria O. (UMB)
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.
ReplyDeleteTiffany*Camden Apartments
Psalm 9:9: The LORD is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble.
ReplyDeleteIn 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
Dear Asha,
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry for the loss of your son. May the Lord comfort you and your family.
--Judith Pollack , PROMISE Coordinator @UMB
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.
ReplyDeleteA foundation in Sekai's name will be established by the family of Sekai soon.
June 11, 2009, 12:16 p.m.
ReplyDeleteasha....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...
June 11, 2009, 12:25 p.m.
ReplyDeleteYou're in my thoughts and prayers. Please let me know if there's anything I can do.
June 11 at 12:50pm
ReplyDeleteAsha, I am praying for you and your family. Let me know if there is anything I can do.
June 11 at 12:54pm
ReplyDeleteAsha, 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.
June 11 at 12:55pm
ReplyDeleteI 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.
June 11 at 1:13pm
ReplyDeleteAsha, I am so sorry for your loss. Please know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers!!!
June 11 at 1:30pm
ReplyDeleteAsha, you are in my thoughts and prayers. Take care.
June 11 at 1:40pm
ReplyDeleteAsha, I am sorry about your loss. May he rest in peace. You are in my prayers.
June 11 at 2:08pm
ReplyDeleteAsha, 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.
June 11 at 3:34pm
ReplyDeleteI'm sending my love and support, Asha.
June 11 at 4:10pm
ReplyDeleteSending 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.
June 11 at 4:33pm
ReplyDeleteAsha- 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
June 11 at 4:38pm
ReplyDeletePraying for and thinking about you, Asha. Just call or even text if I can help at all, any time.
My thoughts and prayers are with you....
ReplyDeleteJune 11 at 5:32pm
My prayers are with you, Asha.
ReplyDeleteJune 11 at 5:48pm
I am incredibly sorry. My sympathy to you and your family for the loss of your beautiful son.
ReplyDeleteJune 11 at 6:26pm
I have no words, but I do have prayers... and I've petitioned the Lord for His comfort...
ReplyDeleteJune 11 at 7:10pm
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
ReplyDeleteRalph and I are praying and thinking of you.
ReplyDeleteJune 11 at 9:00pm
Asha, I am praying for you and your family! May you see God in all situations.
ReplyDeleteJune 12 at 10:31am
Contact me if i can be of assistance.
ReplyDeleteJune 12 at 10:50am
You are definitely in my prayers!
ReplyDeleteJune 12 at 10:57am
My prayers are with you...
ReplyDeleteJune 12 at 10:58am
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.
ReplyDeleteJune 12 at 12:39pm
That's terrible. I am SO sorry, Asha.
ReplyDeleteJune 12 at 4:32pm
Asha. I'm crying. I cannot possibly express how sorry I am. Oh, please let it not be this way.
ReplyDeleteJune 12 at 4:32pm
Asha, I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts are with. If there is anything I can do, please let me know.
ReplyDeleteJune 12 at 4:52pm
Asha I am truly sorry for the loss of your son. You and your family are in my prayers.
ReplyDeleteJune 12 at 4:58pm
I'm so sorry to hear this. I'm praying for you. Let me know if you need anything.
ReplyDeleteJune 12 at 5:14pm
Asha, your and your loved ones are in my prayers!
ReplyDeleteJune 12 at 5:35pm
Asha, I'm so sorry to hear this terrible news. I'm praying for you.
ReplyDeleteJune 12 at 5:38pm ·
Asha, I am so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my thoughts ...
ReplyDeleteJune 12 at 6:02pm
I'm so sorry Asha, and am praying for you and your family.
ReplyDeleteJune 12 at 6:16pm
Asha Stay strong and stay faithful. Your prayers will be answered.
ReplyDeleteJune 12 at 6:43pm
Asha, I'm praying for you and your family right now.
ReplyDeleteJune 12 at 7:40pm
Asha, I am so very sorry. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Stay strong.
ReplyDeleteJune 12 at 10:43pm
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...
ReplyDeleteSekai'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
Editor's Note:
ReplyDeleteDaniel 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 )
Asha, I am so sorry to hear this. I will keep you and your family in my prayers.
ReplyDeleteJune 13 at 1:04am
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.
ReplyDeleteJune 13 at 1:10am
Asha, Sorry to hear that sad news... I am adding you and your family to my prayer list.
ReplyDeleteJune 13 at 9:08am
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.
ReplyDeleteJune 14 at 12:01am
My condolences...let me know if you need anything.
ReplyDeleteJune 14 at 8:32pm
Asha, please know that you are in my prayers.
ReplyDeleteJune 14 at 8:42pm
Blessings to you, Queen. Let me know if there's anything I can do for you.
ReplyDeleteJune 15 at 10:09am
you are in my prayers
ReplyDeleteJune 15 at 12:16pm
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!
ReplyDeleteMay 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
My thoughts and prayers are with you Asha.
ReplyDeleteJune 15 at 3:14pm
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.
ReplyDeleteJune 15 at 3:29pm
Just know that you are in my prayers. Please let me know if there is anything I can do.
ReplyDeleteJune 15 at 4:14pm
I'm so sorry for your loss Asha, my prayers and thoughts are with you.
ReplyDeleteJune 15 at 4:48pm
Hello Asha, sorry to hear about your loss. May God protect you and your family, Psalms 23. I will keep you in my prayers.
ReplyDeleteJune 15 at 5:11pm
Asha, my heart goes out to you. I will keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
ReplyDeleteJune 15 at 10:12pm
Editor's Note:
ReplyDeleteJUNE 15
Virtual gifts and prayers were sent by
Patricia Joseph
Kyrie Dragoo
Ebony Dashiell-Aje
Mikel Foster
Caroline Locke
You are in my prayers. I am so sorry for your loss.
ReplyDeleteJune 16 at 12:15am ·
Asha, just wanted to stop by again to let you know that I am still lifting you and your family in prayer.
ReplyDeleteJune 16 at 9:31pm ·
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.
ReplyDeleteJune 16 at 11:08pm
I will keep you in my prayers. I'm so sorry and please let me know if there's anything I can do.
ReplyDeleteJune 17 at 7:31am ·
Asha, I am so sad to hear about Sekai. You and your family are in my thoughts. Sending you love and strength.
ReplyDeleteJune 18 at 1:11am
[Regarding the making of Sekai's "Remeber Me" DVD]
ReplyDeleteWe 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
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.
ReplyDeleteJune 18 at 8:36am
Asha, I am so sorry for your loss. Please know that you are in my prayers. xo
ReplyDeleteJune 18 at 10:27am
Oh Asha. I have no words. I will be there if I can. I love you so much.
ReplyDeleteJune 18 at 2:30pm
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.
ReplyDeleteJune 18 at 2:48pm
Asha, I am sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my prayers.
ReplyDeleteJune 18 at 2:55pm
Asha,
ReplyDeleteI'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
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.
ReplyDeleteJune 18 at 8:10pm
Asha, I just got the news. Please know that my prayers are with you.
ReplyDeleteJune 18 at 10:38pm
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.
ReplyDeleteJune 19 at 2:00am
Asha, I am deeply sorry to hear about the death of your beloved son, Sekai.
ReplyDeleteI 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 ·
Asha, I'm am extremely sorry for your lost; my prayers are with you.
ReplyDeleteJune 19 at 8:54am
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.
ReplyDeleteJune 19 at 3:17pm ·
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.
ReplyDeleteJune 19 at 3:42pm
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.
ReplyDeleteJune 19 at 3:43pm
I'm sorry about your loss. You will be in my thoughts and prayers.
ReplyDeleteJune 20 at 9:07am
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this time.
ReplyDeleteJune 20 at 1:04pm
Asha,
ReplyDeleteI 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
My deepest sympathies and condolenses. I am praying for both you and your family.
ReplyDeleteMon at 10:47am
I'm thinking of you today, stay strong, God bless
ReplyDeleteYesterday at 1:06pm
Prayers to you and your family
ReplyDeleteYesterday at 1:25pm
Hugs and love from my family to yours.
ReplyDeleteAsha let me know when you have the foundation info. I want to put a link on my nonprofit website.
June 23
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!
ReplyDeleteat 4:13pm June 23
Prayers and thoughts sent on June 24:
ReplyDeleteJulie 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!
I will have you in my prayers. Hugs.
ReplyDeleteJune 24
Thank you all for your kind words, sympathy, prayers, encouragement, support, concern, assistance, and more...and for remembering my sweet boy.
ReplyDeleteAsha
Sekai's Ma
http://remembersekai.blogspot.com/
ReplyDeleteMy 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