My dearest cousin Amin,
It is a week since you winged your way and moved on from this earthly plane of life. It has been a difficult week for all whose life you touched in some way. Your departure has left us all grief-stricken and heartbroken. In my own case, it has left me numb with no desire to do much of anything. I had hoped to write this note earlier but needed time to calm down from the shock and grief of your departure. Even now, I am afraid that my thoughts are scattered and I will be rambling. 
I catch myself thinking that I have been imagining this whole thing and coaxing myself to wake up from this bad dream – only to realize that it is unfortunately reality and that we have indeed lost you; at least in this physical world. That is why I wanted to address this note to you in the hopes that I will find some solace in communicating with you directly.
Along with so many others, I have been mourning your loss. You were so young. So full of hope. And full of life, optimism and joy. Your tender love, kindness towards all who crossed your path, joyous laughter and caring ways shall remain with us forever. As I write this, I remember vividly your kind and personable conversation with a taxi driver in Beijing a few months ago as you were showing us around; it seemed as if you two knew each other for years! This was the way you dealt with everyone, friend or stranger. I have watched with awe and amazement the tributes and memories that have poured in from all corners of the world in your praise. Of course we know that you are wonderful but little did we know that you touched so many people in so many ways and so many places. You were always humble and never talked about yourself, your accomplishments or services. You and your brother are the only young adults who I know that don’t have active Facebook account and chose not to waste your time on such frills but rather on building genuine and meaningful relationships, connections and conversations.
I am so happy that we had a chance to come to China four months ago and visit with you and other family, and to participate in the joy of Milly & Kalan’s wedding. As everyone has said, you were so handsome at the wedding. You were also a gracious host and took such good care of our family. The wonderful memories of the time we spent together and your kindness shall remain with us forever. This includes the love you showered on our children who adored you and have been also been grieving your loss. You were always so tender and loving towards them, taking time to speak with them, play with them and buy them thoughtful and precious gifts. I only hope that they will grow up to follow your wonderful example.
There are so many things I want to tell you, so many stories to recount about you, and so many things I want to ask you. Alas, to no avail! As I have cried and prayed about your departure from this world, I have also thought about why and how this happened. Our family has faced tragedy before. When I was a teenager, our grandmother passed away in her late 50’s. You never had a chance to meet this wonderful lady here. My mom/your aunt was taken away from us by the Iranian revolution in a cruel way when she was in her mid-40’s. We could not question the wisdom of these tragedies either but you grew up with stories about her. You, however were taken from us at only 30 and in the prime of your life. I know that you are united and embraced by the souls of these loved ones as well as your dear grandfather (who was also tragically taken in Iran before you were born). Along with others, I have contemplated on the mystery of your departure from this world on the eve of my mother’s birthday and right before the birth of Zayn, May & Nima’s son. Perhaps someday I will understand this mystery. For now, all I know is that your three lives are intertwined for eternity. I also know that God had a higher purpose for you and that your sacrifice will in many ways make this world a better place. I hope that God will give me the chance to understand this at some point.
I have not had the chance to properly give my sympathies and condolences to your dear mother and father, your grandmother, sister and brother. Given their grief, I did not want to bother them. I also do not know how to console them or what words I can share with them that would give them comfort. I understand that they are submitting to the Will of God and praise them for this. I also know that they loved you so much and it will be so difficult for them to not have you with them in this plane of existence. I pray that God will give them strength and patience to endure this difficult separation.
Amin-jan, you will always be in our hearts and minds and prayers. I hope that I will be worthy of seeing you again in the next world. I love you so much.
Your cousin Merat + Parvaneh, Tia & Kia
