On Amin & Thomas Breakwell

The following letter was received from Katy in China breakwell

Dear Farzaneh and Sheedfar,

I don’t know that I’ve ever met you in person – please forgive me if I have – but I found your email address through a friend.  Some months ago I found the website of remembrances about Amin, and since that time I’ve been wanting to write you my condolences and a few memories.

I met Amin in Seattle several years ago.  We had both recently finished Ruhi Book 7, and … had paired us together to tutor a Book 1 with some friends.  I think it was the first time either of us had tutored.  I hadn’t met Amin before, but I really enjoyed our time together.  Amin was always thoughtful, encouraging the participants to reflect more deeply, and appreciating everyone’s contributions, however hesitant or small they seemed.  I was very impressed with his consideration of others, unfailing courtesy, and his ability to make every person feel respected.  

I remember at that time he mentioned his plan of going to China.  A few years later, I moved to Hong Kong, and then later to Qingdao, China, but we had lost touch, and I had forgotten that he was here.  We met again at the most recent Family Reunion in Hong Kong.  I was touched that he remembered me, and warmly greeted me.  We talked several times over that weekend, and I was overjoyed to meet a friend from back home here, and looking forward to keeping more in touch.

I didn’t hear the news of his passing right away – I’m not on Facebook and hadn’t yet seen the website set up for friends to post their remembrances.  I think a friend called me, sometime after the funeral, and mentioned it.  Of course I was in shock when I heard.  I didn’t know what to do at first, I wanted to write something to you at that point but was still processing.  

A few months later, I went to Shanghai to visit my friend.  I was reading on the plane, and came across this quote, from ‘Abdu’l-Baha’s tablet for Thomas Breakwell:

“I ask of God to draw thee ever closer, hold thee ever faster, to rejoice thy heart with nearness to His presence, to fill thee with light and still more light, to grant thee still more beauty, and to bestow upon thee power and great glory.”  

Immediately I was touched by the words, and determined to memorize it.  I started thinking more and more strongly of Amin as I was getting closer to Shanghai.  I was reciting the words as a prayer for him.  Eventually a melody suggested itself, and I continued to read and recite and chant the words quietly to myself, for the rest of the journey to my friend’s house.  

For about 3 weeks I was chanting this song constantly to myself, at work, during times of prayer and meditation, and at other times too.  I couldn’t stop reciting it.  I have read the tablet for Thomas Breakwell before, but until now failed to be moved by the words.  Now I am utterly in awe at the tenderness and love ‘Abdu’l-Baha had for such a pure, dedicated soul.  For me, these passages are not just for Thomas Breakwell, but also give sincere and eloquent expression to our own grief, prayers, and love for people who have passed to the next world.  There is no doubt in my mind that Amin’s spirit inspired this song, and I also have no doubt that ‘Abdu’l-Baha has welcomed him with infinite tenderness and love in the Abha Kingdom.

Elika Mahony helped me make a simple recording of this chant, and I am sending it to you.  You may listen to it and share it with family as you wish.  

Please accept my love and regards,

Katy

 

Dear Katy,

Thank you so much for your kind and thoughtful email.  Anyone who new Amin is very dear to us.  Any memories or any words about Amin are precious for us.  Amin’s passing came to us as a shock. We are still in a state of disbelief.  How is possible that a young man with a extremely healthy life style sleeps one night and does not wake up at the next morning.  As you know Amin was a fine young man. So kind and considerate and extremely respectful towards anyone and anything.  He was and is loved by everyone even the ones who had met him briefly.

We miss Amin profoundly but we believe he was summoned by Baha’u’llah to Abha Kingdom to serve in another capacity.  Just as Thomas Breakwell was.  Dear Katy what can we do except to be submissive to the will of God.  We are absolutely certain that God never makes mistake and there is a valid reason behind this incident and we pray to God every day to assist us to be able to comprehend the wisdom of Amin’s ascension to the realm above at this early stage of his life.

Our sincere thanks to you for your beautiful email and specially the chanting of the quotation by your melodious and soft voice. Every time we listen to the chanting it brings so much joy, warmth and solace to our heart and tears to our eyes. All those beautiful words reminds us of our dear Amin and we will share it with our families and friends.
Anytime you are in Seattle please let us know, we would love to meet you and many thanks from all of us to you again for your kindness.  My Baha’u’llah assist all of us to attain his approval.

With love and sincere appreciations,
Farzaneh & Shidfar Amirkia