Ode to Joseph
Accident claims life of Edgemont man read the headline of the Scarsdale Inquirer. Joseph Chow, the son of Dr. Raymond Chow and Donna Robertson of Edgemont. Joseph, I didn’t know you and yet I can’t stop thinking about you. Thoughts of you, and your parents have accompanied me during my waking hours these past three days. A rock climbing accident in Tanzania while you served in the Peace Corps. You were to complete your service in November, only a few weeks away, the article explains. 23 years of age. Only 23.
A long time ago, I was 24, only one year older than you, Joseph, when I left my home to serve in the Peace Corp. I had wanted to go to Africa, but my parents opposed it. Africa was too far away, and to them, a scary unknown. I ended up in South America; Temuco, Chile and worked in an Hogared de Menores – a Children’s Home, a de facto orphanage. You also worked with children, Joseph, in the Ndanda Secondary School, where they say you had a passion for teaching and for your students.
Ah yes, I can remember the passion… a feeling that sprang from the depth of your soul, from some unknown origin; guiding, prompting, relentless; allowing us to see beauty where initially we were wrenched by poverty and deprivation. The article continues describing you Joseph as “active creative and charming… always willing to lend a helping hand, to work, to play to contribute to (your) community.” What an extraordinary young man you must have been. I would have liked to have known you. How proud your parents must have been and continue to be. And how great and deep their loss and inconsolable their sorrow.
This once idealistic youth is now a mother whose own eldest child will soon be 20. Thinking of you Joseph, these past days, has reminded me of how special that time was in my life. It was a time of adventure, of great challenge and even greater achievement, of making a difference… and of life long bonds and friendship and love… bonds which you will now carry to your grave. Your students and fellow Peace Corp Volunteers will never forget you. I have no doubt that you will be etched into their hearts and minds forever. Certainly those last months of your life would have been counted as among your best. I too remember. The were months of joy, laughter, camaraderie, travel, adventure and service… You lived life to the fullest. You had it all - a great education, a great home, talent and you did something that few ever do – you gave back. You gave all that you were so that others could have a better life. And now, your passion, your dedication, and your youthful zeal will be immortalized.
The words of a Persian Baha’i mystic grieving over the loss of a much loved youth comes to mind:
“Where now is thy fair face? Where is thy fluent tongue?... Where are thy beauteous eyes? Thy smiling lips…” “Thou has left the lamp that was thy body here, the glass that was thy human form, thy earthly elements, thy way of life below.
“oh my dear one. Thou art now a bird of Heaven, thou hast quit thine earthly nest, and soared away to a garden of holiness. Thou art become a star in the supernal sky and a lamp amid the angels of High heaven…”
(selections of the Writings of Abdul-Baha)
Dear Joseph, I never knew you, but I will never forget you.
Kate Weisman
Monday September 28, 2009
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