We were all so fortunate to have been graced by Khadija and her truly wonderful family for so many years at Steiner.  We watched her beauty, charm, confidence and talent evolve from a young child to a young adult. She shines bright in the night sky.

Imagine humanity's wonder and awe of the discovery that in fact many of those points of light in the night sky we see as  stars are actually galaxies. Each billions of swirling stars of incomprehensible beauty, complexity and wonder. When I look up at the night sky I see those points of light that are loved ones in the heavens. And when I see Khadija, I know I am not looking at a star but a galaxy and that her light is eternal. 

I remember Khadijah playing Titania in the 8th grade play the year I came in to help direct the Shakespeare play. It was perfect casting - although she resisted that role at first, she ended up being the most proud,  regal, graceful and powerful fairy queen.

She was such a wonderful friend to my daughter. They had remained friends after Sophie left Steiner in 10th Grade and Khadijah had come up twice to visit Sophie in Massachusetts.

I will never forget her deep eyes, her invincible will, her spirit, her heart and her wonderful family who opened their home to the children for sleepovers so many times.

A few years ago. 6 years in fact I was alone in Florence, Italy. And I ran into Khadijah and her brother in a museum. It was the most wonderful reunion. Filled with hugs and unexpected surprise. It was so amazing to see her there and she was so loving and warm.