Sunday, October 21, 2018
Whenever Uncle Najim entered the room, he would open his arms wide and declare "Unkell!". (thats me trying to mimic his accent...not a typo) At any given time there could be 10 to 15 cousins hanging around and he called all of us uncle! We were so amused by this silliness that we began calling them, Aunt Najim and Uncle Connie. It never grew old...at least not to us. There was nary a moment when Uncle was not walking on His hands or doing a handstand on a swing set or a dock or a water well. His acrobatic feats were always coupled with the uncle call of adulation "luh,luh,luh,luh,luhluh!" Next, he would patiently watch as we demonstrated our gymnastic skills or lack thereof. Then he would line us up and spot us as we did somersaults, round offs, handsprings, back bends and of course the hand walking. Leila and I were always in a mob of boys, but Uncle never treated us like we were weaker than the rest of them. He always told me I could do it even though we all knew I couldn't! Uncle was not much of a conversationalist but he showed us his love by spending time with us and teaching us to do the things that he knew how to do well. He was always very proud of us when we got it right and always very patient when we got it wrong,which was most of the time! I can hardly separate most of my summer childhood memories from being with Uncle. I know he wasn't there as much as I remember but he always left such a big impression on me. I remember when my brother died, Uncle Najim and AuntConnie took me and Karim in for a little while. Uncle took me to Staten Island University and let me play on the equipment while he was training his students. I think I jumped the highest I've ever jumped on that trampoline that day. I still remember the view from way up there. Being one of eight in my own family I didn't have a lot of alone time with anyone . I really appreciate Uncle letting me have that alone time with just Him and making me feel so special! Thanks for a lot of great memories and views Uncle!I will miss you!
