“Your kindness carried us”: The Abed family thanks the Princeton community
To our Princeton community,
We don’t have the words to fully express our gratitude for the love and support you have shown our family since the loss of our son, Abraham.
In the middle of so much heartbreak, your kindness has carried us. We thank all the Princeton moms and dads for the shoulders that carried our tears.
Every message, meal, hug, prayer, visit, card, and simple check-in has meant more than we can say. So many of you have shared stories, memories, and moments that have reminded us how deeply our son was loved and how many lives he touched. Those memories have become precious gifts to us.
Mr. Ramirez, every morning you stood at the doors of joy welcoming our children with warmth and kindness, and on the saddest day of our lives, you were there at the door for our family too.
Superintendent of Schools Mike LaSusa, thank you for your leadership — not only in the moments everyone could see, but also in the quiet moments when what our family needed the most was strength, compassion, and grace.
Coach Chip, thank you for the care and support you showed our family. A.A. meant a lot, and we thank the young men on the team as well.
Viktoria Wargo, mom of the year, teacher of the century.
Amani Alabed, the gentle soul who moved quietly among us, bringing us food every day. Sireen Sawalha, for your friendship and support.
Lutz’s, Marchetta’s, Smith & Gehman, please know you hold a special place in our hearts.
To Police Chief Matthew Solovay and the Princeton Police Department, your heroism day in and day out is what makes our community strong. You see the unseen.
To the Princeton Middle School/Charter student body, thank you for bringing so much happiness to our child’s life. We are deeply appreciative of your tears at our doorstep and the flowers you laid in his memory. Abraham was right — you are all special. Cherish your moments with Patton and Burr; they do not make many like them.
To the countless others in the Princeton community who are not mentioned by name here.
Grief can feel incredibly lonely, but your compassion has reminded us that we are not alone. We have felt surrounded by a community that genuinely cares, and we will never forget that.
Thank you for holding our family up during the hardest days of our lives. When we needed it most, your love, generosity, and support have brought comfort.
To Abraham: May God have mercy on you. May your wings glide over the waters of Heaven.
Mom, Dad, your brothers, and sister miss you dearly. You taught us love, laughter, and joy. Your friends miss you. You brought everyone together in life, and in your passing, you brought every faith together in prayer.
With love and heartfelt thanks,
The Abed Family
