My emotions are all out of wack.
Early Friday morning my Mom woke me up with horrible news. As soon as the words "Noel Cunningham died last night" came out of her mouth tears began flooding like a tsunami that wouldn't stop. The whole day I was an emotional wreck (I still am). Noel Cunningham was with out a doubt the greatest and most caring man I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. I am thankful that I got the chance to know Noel and I know I wouldn't be half the woman I am today with out his love, knowledge and guidance. He was my hero and my mentor but most of all he was my dear friend. For those of you who unfortunately never knew Noel I will tell you a little bit about his character. Noel was from Ireland originally but moved to the states in his twenties as a chef. Noel lived in Denver for a long time and was a highly regarded man in the community he served at his restaurant Strings. He was not only known for feeding you even when you were not hungry but for feeding those starving around the world. In the 1990's he traveled to Ethiopia, Africa with his wife Tammy where they witnessed horrible poverty. He left the country a man on a mission. I don't think Noel ever knew the meaning of the word "no". Shortly after he and Tammy returned from their trip they started a non profit The Cunningham Foundation who I would travel to Ethiopia with on an all expenses paid trip in 2008. Noel was consistent in always telling me how much he loved me and always reminding me that I could achieve anything I was willing to struggle for. Not only did he raise billions of dollars for those in Ethiopia during his lifetime but in the Denver community he was always providing meals for the homeless during thanksgiving, brunch for Mothers with out a family on Mothers day and anything else he could help out with. His wife and him lived simply so that others could simply live.
In an article for Black Tie Colorado, Noel Cunningham was asked what he wanted his epitaph to be. His response, "I tried to live life to the fullest - to participate in life. Not just to have been a taker, I left something behind. I hope I put back a little more than I took." (https://www.blacktie-colorado.com/have-you-met/archive-detail.cfm?id=178). Noel definately accomplished this goal. Noel was a lover. I have never seen another man who loved his wife with the deep love that him and Tammy shared. I have never seen a man who loved the world and everyone in it more than Noel. I have never seen a man who loved sharing food and wisdom like he so often did. There is huge hole in my heart at this time but I am looking to the future to help fufill Noels dreams of bringing the world together, educating all peoples and ending world poverty... I want to give more than I take and truly live my life to the fullest. I know today is a step towards doing that and right now I know Noel is proud of me. To his wife Tammy: Words cannot express how sorry I am. I love you. To Noel: Thank you for changing my life, I love you & will live each day with purpose and love for all. Rest In Peace. I love you!
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| Noel & Tammy in front of a library they help fund in Ethiopia! |
That brings me to my other emotion which is happiness and excitment. Today Herry, a teacher from Tanzania, Africa who is staying with my family for two weeks arrived.My family is so glad to have him here he is truly a beautiful soul and is already teaching us so much as we are also teaching him. It's only day one so I do not have much to say but he already enjoys starbucks and chipotle so he fits right in with my family! He is currently watching Avatar (not sure if he 100% knows whats going on but he seems to be enjoying it) we also played the card game war (I think it bored him but it was the only 2 player game I could think of..).
Next emotion... oh are finals really only two weeks away? well shit! Now im STRESSING THE FUCK OUT!
Love your heart broken, excited, stressed friend,
Andrea
-- "Live a life that demands explination."--
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