Dearest Obi,

I’ve been trying to absorb this tremendously surprising and tragic loss to what I consider an amazing woman.   My heart has been breaking and aching with all sorts of feelings ever since I learned of your passing.  Your character, personality, and presence showed you to be a healthy, vibrant, and strong person.  At only 40 years of age, you touched the lives of so many people. I find myself thinking of you, your family, your students, your friends, and how much we will all miss you. I am comforted to know that I am one and the many whose life was touched by the special women you were.  

My thoughts have overwhelmingly caused me to ask, why did this happen to someone whose life had hardly begun? No one seems to be able to answer the whys for me. I am left with so many unanswered whys.  It's times like these when it is so hard to understand God’s plans, and it make’s me challenge my faith.  However, this is precisely the time when my faith needs to be at its strongest.  I know that God doesn't waste a single moment and that He never makes mistakes.  God used your life in a profound way...and now He wants you home.  I am praying that my faith will help me through this very difficult time by writing this letter to you and that doing so will help me find the strength to get me through the grief and sadness I am feeling.

Obi, we met when Park School partnered with Waverly Elementary and you were Waverly’s faculty liaison.  You made sure to be available once a month to be a present with your Waverly students at our monthly sports clinic.  When I found out that a fourth-grade faculty position opened up at Park School, I knew right away this position was for you.  I remember pulling you to the side at one of our Saturday Sports clinics and said, “Hey girl, a fourth-grade faculty position is open, it is time to make your move and that Park was desperately looking to fill that position with an African American”.  You were excited but you were also concerned about leaving the public school setting and your precious Waverly students. You were truly committed to your students. 

When you were hired at Park School as a fourth-grade teacher, I was so excited!  I have such fond memories of you at Park School. You were always one of the first to ask the difficult questions and wasn’t ever afraid to speak up.  While at Park, you applied your leadership skills into the body of the whole school.  You were a huge presence at Park School.  I remember that we also coached 4th & 5th girls’ lacrosse together and we had a blast.  What I remember the most about coaching with you was your love for the sport and your great knowledge of the game.  You made it fun for the girls.  I fondly remember that as we both walked to introduce ourselves to the opposing team coaches, you would often whisper to me “Yup, we are two black lacrosse coaches.  Watch out, the lacrosse world is slowly changing my friend”.  I also remember, the few times you refereed our games and how I would wink at you to blow your whistle our way if possible so we can get the advantage of winning the game! But, you always had that twinkle in your eye and smiled with a quick “Nope, I can’t do that, my friend”.  Oh well.  I tried!!! 

I remember how we used to get together for our “Park staff of color gatherings”…and girl, what I will remember the most was how much you loved to eat!  I remembered when you shared the purchase of your first home in Baltimore City.  I quickly offered you furniture and anything you might need.  I also remember what a huge loss it was for Park School when you decided to head out to Harvard Graduate School of Education.  Park's loss yes, but what an exciting time for you.  You moved on and soon returned with courage and grace to seize the momentum and build something sustainable at City Neighbors Hamilton…absolutely genius!

As I am reflecting and writing to you a little part of my heart is at peace.  We often saw each other running at Lake Montebello and around in the neighborhood.  Thank you for being so welcoming to my daughter, Christina, when she substituted at City Neighbors and for being a mentor and friend to her.  The last time I saw you was just a few months ago at City Neighbors…I got a text from you in mid-December 2016 and you ask me to come by to observe one of your PE teachers and to help them with class management and curriculum suggestions for the little ones.  After I met with the teacher, I stayed for a bit so we could catch up with each and chat about life.  Thank you for caring so much about your teachers that you were willing to reach out to find someone who could help and for trusting me to be the right person to help this individual

I know that God called you to his regime for a reason.  Now you are with him in his kingdom… There will be lots of children for you to teach, love and pamper.  They will be happy to have you.  Obi, I want you to know that I will remember your laugh, your stories, and your beautiful bright smile. You were a truly beautiful person. You had such a joyful spirit that touched everyone who knew you. I feel truly blessed to have been able to know you and will miss you dearly.

Thank you for being one of the most influential people I've ever met, for accepting and loving everyone, and for being someone that impacted the lives of so many.  I remain grateful for having the chance to know you.  Rest in peace. 

I leave you with two of my favorite scriptures:

Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

I love you and I am your friend always,

Stradine

My sister had unique taste all her own I think we can all agree. As a kid growing up a lot of my music exposure came from riding in the car with her or the CDs I'd steal when she was off at school as a little sister does. She taught me no one genre belongs to any one group of people. Music is about unity and is so fluid. So much of my musical foundation and my very favorite band were gifted to me by Obi. I can't begin to share my gratitude to her for this. My first concert ever, Dave Matthews Band, she bought the tickets, the t-shirts, and everything high school kid could dream of that day. Every piece of music I write has a little of her in it. Now, I'm not sure the contribution will be as little. Obi, thank you and I love you more than words could ever say.