Impression

i am profoundly sorrowful over the death of Ayman. And quite frankly, this comes as a surprise to me. i never knew, Ayman, and moreover, i do not recall that i ever knew of his existence on this earth.

But in the break room one morning as i turned through the Washington Post, my eyes were drawn to the picture of a handsome young man with such an engaging smile. i then read of his passing from this life to the next.

as i continued to the end of the news item, i was stunned and heartsick to learn Ayman was Rabah's brother. Rabah is someone i worked with for a short time, do not know well, but care for deeply. perhaps the Taha family characteristic is to effect the world around them in such a winsome way.

so Ayman has reached me in his patriotic sacrifice. his essence has touched one who would see the casuality numbers increase day by day and be saddened for the soldiers and their families on both sides of the water, but one who essentially was not personally invested or involved with the war in Iraq.

Ayman has changed this. 2180 is a number, but now it is also a reality in proportion of which i cannot adequately express. may God give strength and courage to the Taha family as we honor them in their loss.

fraglen