We are nothing more than energy. The value of our life is greater than what we can hear, see, and touch. We are spiritual beings living a material existence.

The day that Halimah Adilah Muhammad entered my life it has never been the same. It was written in the heavens long before either of us was born. Our friendship was destined long before we entered this dimension. From the moment that we were connected it was as if I had known her my entire life. The time that we have spent together has been memorable and will never be repeated. I have never had nor will I ever have a sister like her. We have laughed, cried, argued, and celebrated like blood sisters. 

It all began in March of 2018. Halimah reached out to our organization and applied to serve as a volunteer working with our youth. Because of the nature of our work, we always seek multiple references that can vouch for the personality and the character of the applicants. After receiving her application, we spoke briefly, and I delayed getting back with her. Man plans and God plans, and He is the best of planners.

Fast forward a few weeks, and I meet her mom for the first time. We had a brief conversation, and her personality was such that I knew if her daughter had any bit of her energy she would be a perfect fit. Little did I know she would be a blessing not only to our camp but a blessing in my life. In the summer of 2018 we met for the first time at Kamp Khalil, Inc, a nonprofit organization that my husband and I founded in 2003. Her personality is magnetic. Her energy is infinite. Our youth absolutely love her, and I fell in love with her as well. After the camp ended, life resumed and we were in contact, but not consistently. In December of 2018, we planned to attend a conference in Houston, Texas. My daughter absolutely loves her, and she was so excited that Halimah would be in our city. We spent the weekend together, and Halimah told us that she had never been to New Orleans. Say less sis! December of 2018 was our 1st trip together to New Orleans, Louisiana. 

We have taken dozens of trips since that very first trip. We checked Jamaica and Essence Festival off of our bucket list before the pandemic. Both were a first time experience for Halimah.

Over the last 4 years, we have shared over 17 domestic and international memories together including Puerto Rico, Cabo, and Costa Rica. With each new experience, our friendship grown.

Halimah has a type of personality where she is going give it to you straight no chaser. She goes above and beyond for those that she loves. She loves deep. She is consistently seeking knowledge. She values personal develop and craves quality relationships. She loves thinking and contemplating. These are some, but not all of the things I love about her. She says we are soul sisters. We are. She is one of one. Genuine people are like pearls, rare. I often tell her if she could be half as good to herself as she is to others she would see herself through my eyes. 

Our time together has strengthened me as an individual and strengthened our friendship. Our conversations about personal development, family, relationships, our shared career, and just life in general give me the fuel that I need to carry on.

When Halimah was diagnosed again with cancer of the liver in January of 2020 we were scheduled to fly to Puerto Rico. My heart was broken. I couldn't believe that the person that I loved would have to endure more doctors, more hospitals, and more procedures. My only experience with cancer up until this point had been my mother. I never take my health for granted. If I can avoid hospitals or doctors, I will, so Halimah and I often bumped heads on best practices and the choices that she makes for her own sanity and her own health.

I can't imagine my life had we never met. Nobody deserves all the good in this life and this award more than Halimah Adilah (Ah-dee-yah) Muhammad. I look forward to the stories that we will tell over the next few decades about how Halimah's life is a testimony to the power, grace, love, and mercy of the creator of the Heavens and Earth.