September 11, 2006

Rahma Salie

The attacks of 9/11 will never be forgotten, nor will most of us forget what we were doing, where we were, or the feelings that flooded through us when we first heard the news. Our thoughts, fears, feelings, and ideals were solid, etched in stone. For some of us that hadn't known someone murdered that day, time has a way of wearing those firm and definite edges away, dulling some of those memories. Not good.

I did not know anyone taken that day. But I heard about a special project, 2,996 Tribute, and signed up. I drew Rahma Salie. I've only "known" her for a couple of weeks, but her death has affected me. Deeply.

Rahma, of Sri Lankan descent, was born to Yuseff and Haleema Salie in Japan, February, 1973. She went to an international school there, before coming here in 1992, to Wellesley College, where she majored in International Relations, and Japanese studies. She was a consultant in an IT firm, and rose to the position of Chief Operating Officer.

While attending Wellesley, Rahma met Michael Theodoridis, who was attending Boston University. They fell in love, and Michael, a Greek Orthodox Christian, converted to Islam before marrying his bride in 1998. "They were very much in love. They wouldn't do anything without each other," her father said. "There was never anything but a smile on their faces." One article I read called them inseperable.

When I first saw the picture of Rahma, I couldn't help but grin. You can see the love she's got for her husband, but you could also look at her, and just know that she was someone that you wanted to know. Needed to know. One of her Wellesley schoolmates said in a forum, "I bet you could also hear the sound of her laugh while looking at her picture." I could.

She was a very outgoing person, leaving a positive impression on all that she met. Vibrant, successful, hardworking, and driven. Sweet, radiant, loyal, and loving. All words that were used to describe her. I really would have liked to meet her.

On September 11, 2001, Rahma and Michael boarded American Airlines Flight 11, heading to Los Angeles for a friend's wedding. They were not alone. Rahma was seven months pregnant with their first child.

Many of the sites providing lists provide vague info, such as: Rahma Salie was from Boston. Or, Rahma Salie, expectant mother, and consultant. It bugs me. She deserved much more.

Rahma, you will not be forgotten by me. I wish I had known you, sister.


If someone reading this knew Rahma, and has more info, please let me know. Thanks.

Joe

Angie, of My Life & Chaos, has a tribute to Rahma's husband, Micky.

Posted by That 1 Guy at September 11, 2006 11:49 PM | TrackBack
Comments

Beautiful post.

Posted by: Richmond at September 11, 2006 03:29 AM

A beautiful tribute for a beautiful woman. The pregnant woman in me mourns her especially hard.

I have a tribute, as well, if you care to stop by.

Posted by: Jody at September 11, 2006 07:06 AM

Gorgeous couple...with gorgeous smiles.

Well done, and thank you for introducing her to all of us.

Posted by: Armywifetoddlermom at September 11, 2006 07:26 AM

do you know who has the husband?

Posted by: Armywifetoddlermom at September 11, 2006 07:56 AM

beautiful.

Posted by: oddybobo at September 11, 2006 08:04 AM

Thank you for your tribute. Rhama, her husband, and their baby deserved to be remembered.

I also have a tribute.

Posted by: Mrs_Who at September 11, 2006 03:22 PM

Yes, thank you. Beautiful tribute.

Posted by: Sticks at September 11, 2006 06:40 PM

You did a great job on your tribute. I just can't handle looking at all the pictures of the people when they were so happy in their lives and then it was so abruptly taken from them. So very sad and my heart breaks all over again.

Posted by: c.a. Marks at September 11, 2006 07:29 PM

Beautiful. Bingley has such beautiful wedding pictures in his post, too. They all break my heart. They ALL break my heart.

Posted by: tree hugging sister at September 11, 2006 07:49 PM

Beautiful tribute, bro. She would have been a fantastic Mom with that positive energy and love of life. Thank you for helping us to know her.

Posted by: Barb at September 11, 2006 10:53 PM

T1G----Joe:

It is an amazing thing- the connection so many of us have made to those that we memorialized. Thank you so much for a fitting and lovely tribute.

and thank you for the link.

Posted by: Cathy at September 12, 2006 12:00 AM

Lovely tribute.

Posted by: LadyGunn at September 12, 2006 03:27 AM

... each life lost was precious... each and every one...

Posted by: Eric at September 12, 2006 08:00 AM

You made me cry. Such a lovely person and a couple so in love, beginning their family.

Posted by: Nancy at September 12, 2006 02:02 PM

This is absolutely beautiful. I did know Rahma. I worked with her at an IT firm in Waltham, MA. I only knew her for 6 months but, as many have quoted, once you met her, you fell in love with her. She was beautiful inside and out. If she saw you were down, she would come and give you a hug, pat you on the shoulder, or send an email that said "smile". I never met her husband but, many of those who worked with us in Waltham did and he too, was amazing. So sad that the world was robbed of such loving people. We must NEVER FORGET.

Posted by: Tina at September 13, 2006 11:17 AM

Thanks, Tina. It's very appreciated.

Posted by: That 1 Guy at September 14, 2006 02:33 PM