Sepehr Pourhakimi

When you invite someone into your life, and choose to love them, there is no way to know where your journey will take you. I have loved many, many people throughout my life; each differently but all completely. I have been blessed with immense joy and spectacular memories that always put a smile on my face.
As is the case with all of life, as I have found, there are almost always equal measures of pain and sorrow that come with that invitation – or at least the possibility of each that you must be willing to accept. I will always be grateful for the incredible color those I’ve loved have added to my life.
Several years ago I chose to invite Aepehr(Seth) into my life. It is probably more accurate to say I accepted his invitation to step into the role of “father figure”, or Pop, as he called me. We had quite a journey with equal measures of every emotion you could expect between a father and son as he navigated his way through independence and adulthood. We worked through personal issues. We celebrated his growth in almost every area in his life. We had pointed discussions, many ‘louder’ than either of us would boast about when things were going off track. We shared many memorable moments and milestones. Visiting a good friend and his family in NYC for New Years Eve was a special time. Working with habitat for humanity together was especially memorable. It would be impossible to recount every moment here, good and bad, so let’s just say my life, and his, was richer for having taken our journey together.
Very early on Sunday morning the myriad of colors that painted our story were washed in a sea of gray. Seth was killed in a fatal motorcycle accident. Seth was not my son by blood and he was not my son by law. He was my son in every way that matters and my heart is broken by his loss. I know in time the colors will return and all of the especially fantastic moments we shared will dominate my memories of our time together. For now, as I prepare for the funeral for my son, who less than three weeks earlier celebrated his 22nd birthday, I am painfully reminded of just how short life can be, how it can all change in an instant, and how important each moment on our journey with those we love is. Hug your kids. Tell someone you love that you love them. “The last time you tell someone goodbye, may be the last time you tell them goodbye”, throw in an “I love you” for good measure.

Seth was and is a beautiful and amazing soul. He had such a big heart for those he loved most. He showed me what true love is when I didn’t love myself enough. He allowed me to be goofy and he excepted every part of me, both good and bad. I was and always will be in love with him and am honored to be the woman he fell in love with before his body left this earth. Although he is not here with us physically, he is here is spirit, and that is something that is beautiful. He used to take me to his private meditation place where he would talk to god and he would just sit and tell me his fears and dreams. He wanted to grow in Christ together. And at times when he didn’t feel strong enough I knew that God had a great plan for him. His favorite thing to say was “We all have dreams for ourselves, but the fact the God had something greater in store is just amazing.” God had a plan for Sepehr. And he fulfilled it. It was meant for us to be together and meet. He opened new doors for me, and I for him. He never knew when he would take his last breath but he wanted me to know he loved me. And he always wanted to make sure his mom was taken care of if something happened to him. And I promised him she always will. Sepehr is now a glorious Angel, bigger and brighter than we ever would’ve know or could possibly imagine. He is a protector. And will watch over us until it’s time for him to greet us with open arms. I love you Sepehr Pourhakimi. Your love, Chelby?

Sending love and warm thoughts from Dallas, Texas. I knew Seth’s pop and got to meet Seth over a bowling game. He had an incredible smile!

Sepehr.....The day I met you I could clearly see the beauty of your spirit. The awesome light that illuminated from your smile it could only have come from deep within. It was such an honorable moment in which I felt blessed and in that short time you became a part my family and my heart and therefore my son. I loved the way you always tried to be respectful of the rules of my house as a mother, and how you willingly owned your wrong when Chelby wasn't home on time. Even though I know she had
some of the blame you claimed it all! ?
The few times we talked and I heard your laughter I laughed because you were soooooo animated and real with who you were! Although I know we are all GOD'S children we still have that one thing about us that make us unique. And you practiced your uniqueness often and it showed because you were good at it. But your secret is safe with me. And I am thankful to know that I stood in the company of an angel in disguise on earth that has now joined the heavenly ranks of GOD'S awesome army in the company of the many that was called back home. You can now do more than your earthly body would allow, as you now are in your true form, the beauty of your true heavenly form will always be with me. Say hello to my sons as I will not say goodbye nor will I say I miss you. I'll just say see you later because I know you will be around. Love you.......