Words cannot even begin to express my sorrow. Azo, Laith and Mark, please accept my deepest condolences for your loss.
Dr. Altaweel opened his arms to my family, when we just moved from Taiwan to Glenview, Illinois.
There were several years, my husband Alex worked at Taipei branch of his employer then and I worked at Chicago downtown, our son James spent most his after school hours with the Altaweel's. Every time when I went to pick James up after work, Dr. Altaweel would welcome me into his house with his sincere smile and ask me how my day was, the warmth of his would wipe away my guilty feeling for leaving my child with this family til so late..., even today I can still vividly hear his warm and kind welcoming voice.
We kept our friendship after Alex changed his job and we moved to California, I remember Altaweel and Tao families met up at Las Vagas for Christmas one year, I also remember when Dr. Altaweel and the kids came to California, they would visit us whenever they could.
Dr. Altaweel kept his generosity and passions towards his friends even when his health was getting fragile, he made a good effort to call us on every Christmas holidays, no matter where we are. He reached out to me immediately when Alex passed away, even though he himself was not in very good condition. I am forever indebted to his kindness, encouragement and thoughtfulness.
I miss you, Rafi.