There are events in this world that should never, ever occur. One of those events is a young child taking flight from this Earth far, far too soon. I am one to believe that there is always a reason.. Always something to answer the heart-wrenching question of, “But why”… Unfortunately, I don’t believe I’ll ever understand the “why” behind all of this.
Several years ago, I trained and worked at a martial arts dojo. I was instructing some of the younger children out on the floor when in walked a beautiful young mother, her head held high with her equally gorgeous daughter at her heels, casting uneasy glances around the loud room. Excited to finally see some new, promising faces, I bounced forward to greet them just as my Sensei was walking forward to meet the pair. We all introduced each other, and the shy, meek young girl stepped forward onto the floor for her first day of martial arts. My own little protege. Her mother, Mariela, was as friendly as she was beautiful, coming to nearly (if not all) of Nyobi’s classes, and the three of us always got along extremely well. Nyobi learned quickly, mastering techniques left and right. It wasn’t until a couple months into meeting the two that I was introduced to Mariela’s fiancé, Andy. Andy, a kind man with a contagious smile and an air of absolute confidence, was extremely supportive of Nyobi, and at times, I would see the two of them practicing hand movements in the corner of the room while Nyobi waited for her class to begin. The family became one of my favorite groups of people and I would look forward to class days just to be able to see them all – that’s how catching the love from this family was.
As the months passed, Mariela began to glow, coming to classes positively beaming, her hand elegantly resting on her stomach. The family was about to have a new, lovely addition. I couldn’t have been more thrilled for them. Nyobi and I began getting closer; she reminded me so much of my younger self. Gradually, I began to know this family as more than just, “the lovely people who come into the dojo”.
One day after class, the entire dojo went to the Sonic that was just next door. Sipping on a slushy, I took a seat next to my Sensei and Andy, who were already busily chatting about the military. I listened quietly, hearing opinions pass back and forth, and couldn’t help but admire the passion that Andy had not just for his family, but for his country as well. Not long into the conversation, I pieced together that Andy was talking about an either possible, or already scheduled deployment [I don’t recall which it was at the time]. A few more weeks passed, and I was informed that Andy was, in fact, due to deploy. I began to notice how much tighter the family became, as if brought together by some impenetrable force. Andy would constantly gaze at Mariela’s ever-growing stomach, and watch Nyobi with a pride that was so intense it lit up his entire face. He knew, just like we all did, that Nyobi was destined for great things.
Shortly after news spread about Andy’s deployment, I took a short hiatus from the dojo, and was unable to see him again. I had Mariela and Nyobi as friends on Facebook, and around late April/early May, Mariela had begun uploading pictures of their stunning wedding. The two were a vision of perfection. About three months later, on July 22, 2011, a beacon of hope, and a literal ray of sunshine was born.
Naiara Valentina Caraballo-Morales was the strength that everybody needed – the sign that all was well. I’ve never felt more joy for a family, nor have I ever had more hope. Nine days after Naiara was born, Andy was deployed, leaving behind his legacy. I had left my former dojo at this point, and was still actively talking to Mariela and Nyobi via Facebook, seeing how they were doing and reading their posts to keep myself updated. The posts from a wife missing her husband were so motivational, yet so heart-wrenching.
Come late September, I logged in one day, and my heart shattered in my chest. Andy had been killed overseas on September 22, 2011, two months after his glowing gem had been born. He was one of the bravest, kindest, most gentle-souled men I’d ever encountered, and his memory will live on forever. His bravery and his sacrifice will never be forgotten.
The grief could be felt radiating off of Mariela and Nyobi, but the two women held steadfast. Mariela displayed some of the most incredible strength I’d ever seen, and to this day, I still admire her immensely for it. The goodness in her heart is genuine, and one-of-a-kind.
About a year later, I was out at Ale House with my cousin and a couple of our friends, when suddenly two small arms wrapped around my waist. I spun around and was thrilled to see Nyobi’s grinning face. “Hi!” she chirped at me. I hugged her again, and eagerly asked her where her mother was. She grabbed my hand and led me over to where Mariela, looking tired, but as beautiful as ever, was sitting with a small radiant little girl.
I’m a spiritual person by nature, and as soon as I approached the table, the energy surrounding Naiara was so pure, and so positive, I couldn’t help but forget any problems that I’d been having. Seeing the three of them lifted my spirits, but my heart went out to them. We spoke for a little bit, Naiara giggling and cuddling into her mother’s side, Nyobi grinning and chattering away happily with me – it had been too long since I’d seen them. I could see so much of both Andy and Mariela in Naiara; she was so very beautiful. Easily the happiest little girl I’d ever met. Once again, the strength that Mariela and Nyobi harbored left me in a state of awe.
Not even 6 months later, I was riding to a park, having just stopped at a Sonic to get an ice-cream with one of my dear friends, when my phone vibrated. It was an unknown number. Confused, I stopped my conversation and unlocked my phone to view the message.
“Please pray for my baby sister. She is in the hospital.”
My heart skipped a beat, and I replied back, “Who is this?” praying desperately that I wouldn’t see the name I was thinking. Nyobi replied, telling me it was her.
I promptly called, stupidly fumbling for words, “Which sister?” There was a sad pause on the other end of the line, and she said, “My baby sister. She’s in critical condition.”
A lump rose in my throat and stuck there. I swallowed hard, asking what had happened, and if there was anything I could do. She told me that little Naiara had been struck by a car, and that she needed me to pray. I could only sit in the car, my heartbeat pounding in my ears – breaking all over again. I told Nyobi to stay in touch with me, and for a little while, she did, telling me that Naiara was showing improvement, despite what the doctors were telling them. Nyobi was so strong. She stopped replying after a couple hours, and I hoped that her phone had just died. I paced back and forth, trying not to cry, desperate to hear back. The night went by agonizingly slow, and as soon as morning rolled around, I jumped online to see if Mariela had posted an update on Naiara’s condition. There was no post from Mariela. Instead, I saw condolence posts, and well wishes – people sending their love and strength. The pain I felt for this poor family shook me and I lay across my computer desk, repeatedly asking, “Why? Why them… Why her..” I couldn’t wrap my head around it. Couldn’t process how or why this beautiful family was being subjected to such pain. I soon learned that Naiara’s passing had not come in vain – not in the least. She’d become an organ donor, saving others and sending herself out to live on. The love felt at Naiara’s service was the most incredible feeling of unity I’d ever experienced. The loss had shattered the hearts of dozens upon dozens of people. Naiara held so many people together with her love. Her smile. Her laugh. I’d only encountered it for a short period of time, but Naiara was special. She’s still with us all – watching us from her father’s arms, smiling that irreplaceable smile and making sure everybody, especially her wonderful mother, knows that she’s guiding us all through life. I’d never believed in Angels until I’d met that precious little girl.
Mariela and Nyobi are two of the strongest, most motivated, loving people I have ever had the extreme honor of meeting, knowing, and loving. Mariela became family, embracing me like I was one of her own. Nyobi became the little sister I’d never had – stunning me with her courage, strength, and wisdom. I doubt I’ll ever meet a pair as devout or as loving as these two. But I know that they have a much larger purpose.
Andy and Naiara were taken far too soon, flying into Heaven’s Gates far before anybody ever wanted them to go. I truly believe, with all of my heart, that Mariela and Nyobi are destined to make a difference. Not just a difference… An impact that takes the country, the entire world by storm.
Andy and Naiara are meant to live on for eternity, through the hearts of everybody who happens upon their stories. Something beautiful can always come from the most devastating events.
I ask you, as you read, to consider donating to the Caraballo-Morales family to help them properly tell the story of Andy and beautiful Naiara. Help them pass on their love to other grieving families. Help this become more than just the local tragedy that you happened to stumble upon.
Mariela an Nyobi are miracle women, destined for more than the hands they have been dealt.
Mari… Nyobi, I love you both with all of my heart. I wish I could properly convey how much the two of you mean to me, or how much I find myself in speechless astonishment at all you both have endured. Never let your chins fall. Never let that incredible strength desert you. You’ll forever have the strongest support system of all. Just look around you, at any given time.
Recent Comments