In Memory of Bilal Thiam

“The boy to whom I gave cheerios watching Sesame Street
The boy with whom I share a love for history
The young man i hugged proudly when he got into Brown
The man with whom i watched Games of Thrones and read poetry
The man with whom i laughed and cried
The man will be part of me for this life and eternity.”

– Emmanuel

“I can’t remember the exact first time I met Bilal but the moment I did I was struck by how beautiful, charismatic and charming he was. This tall willowy and extremely handsome boy, so magnetic, and with a life force that was unforgivingly radiant and resonant no matter what suffering he endured. Here is a boy who spirit point blank refused to be deterred from that bright clarity for even a second.

Elegant, graceful, gracious and so well raised. The first time I met him I thought – oh my god, there won’t be a woman on earth who doesn’t fall madly in love with him. He’s gonna break ten thousand hearts. I’m sure that was true 🙂

I am so grateful to have been accepted by Bilal and to have shared the sweet fleeting moments with him that I did. I will treasure Bilal and Antar’s advice on how to have siblings as profoundly loyal and bonded as they were and are.

This magical indescribable glow that Bilal effortlessly imparted will be with me always, and I will be the better for it. With Love Always….”

– Topaz Page-Green

“Bilal welcomed me into his family with a kind and generous heart and made me feel part of it. I am forever grateful to him for it and for everything we shared over these past years. These memories with him are all precious to me.

I am also grateful for having had the chance to get to know Bilal.

First I see the beautiful smile of a young man full of joy who loves life and loves to share what it has to offer. Then I see his elegance, his charisma, the way he carries himself everywhere with admiral ease and his many talents. Underneath it all I discover the strength of character, the determination and the strong will that Bilal puts in everything he does. I also see him having to face this terrible illness and fight it with extraordinary courage.

The more I got to know Bilal the more I admired him and the more I loved him as one loves a family.”

– Marie-Soazic

“Bilal’s presence and spirit are palpable. This is true now and was from when I first met him to the last time we spoke. Warm, larger than life, and inherently kind. But everyone already knows that.

Bilal, I treasure the time we spent together and cherish our friendship.

We bummed out together. I don’t know how many Miyazaki movies we watched and I thank you for bringing Don’t Be a Menace and the Wayans into my life.

We danced together. Remember buying absinthe those times and having to dance as hard as we could until the taste would go away? Or when we were the only two people looking for a place to dance on St Pattys.

We cooked. Or I guess you cooked. A strangely good cook for one who consistently ordered lobster at Shanghai on Thayer st.

And you made me a better man and human. You taught me more than I can express about the world, about people, and about the self.

Love you, man. I miss you greatly. I’ll do my best to live up to the high bar you set. See you on the dance floor.”

– Andrew L

“One of my favourite memories are from a few days before graduation when you told me you’d help me bury the body if there was one. No matter where you’ll be you’ve got my back and it’s true and will always be. After graduation you sent me a text. It reads “I know you’re not graduating but it’s been a true pleasure having you here during my time at brown. You’re like family and hope the summers amazing, if you need anything I got you and always stay true to yourself!”

And I intend to everyday. The advice you gave me couldn’t fit into a book it was constantly flowing, always rang true, and I hope to follow it always. It’s going to be a challenge to do your lessons justice. I feel remarkably blessed to have had you in my life. And I hope to repay that blessing by upholding your legacy of decency, integrity, valour, camaraderie, goodness, strength, patience, respect to name a few.

You taught me how to dance, how to be a good friend, how to cook, how to treat others, how to stand up for myself, how to be an adult, how to face a challenge, how to be strong. I am who I am because of you.

You always helped me when I was having a hard time and I want to reach out to you to give me your marvelous advice you and to keep me on my feet and knowing what to do. Instead I’ll look at back at the advice I was lucky to receive and seeing you with such strength and resilience and try to channel it.
I love you so deeply and dearly and I’ll try to make you proud. I know you’re still with us in your own way.”

– Annabel

“Dancing with Bilal was one of the purest joys in life. Standing next to a statue of a man, a mile taller and infinitely more graceful than you, being as silly and stupid and uncoordinated as you, stooping down to your level in every way so everyone could have fun. I am eternally grateful to have one boogie session on camera – a garden gnome dancing with the most beautiful inflatable noodle man – you know the kind that dances outside car dealerships.

My point is that when you were with Bilal, the good things in life were even better. To make him laugh, and hear that sonorous laugh of his boom out or watch a smile crack across his sculpted face just felt really GOOD. Because he was so damn good. So good that even typing out the word “was” in connection to him feels indescribably bad. To be cheesy and quote Helen Keller: “What we have once enjoyed deeply we can never lose. All that we love deeply becomes a part of us.” All of us who were lucky enough to know Bilal get to hold onto him forever. Bilal will always be the greatest. Loved, missed, and with us always.”

– Caleigh

“I remember the first time I met Bilal at Brown when I visited with Antar during my freshman year at Vassar. I was immediately floored by how warm and welcoming this person I hadn’t met before was, and what a strong presence he had in every room he was in. Little did I know that he would become such a big part of my life, simply by the moments that we shared together. I remember the long heart-to-heart conversations we had when he visited Vassar- he had a way of making every story the most interesting thing you had ever heard in the world- he didn’t just have a way with words, he had a way of captivating you with those words.

One of my most cherished memories of our time together is our time in Chicago, when we went to a concert the day before he left the city. He insisted the day before that I go with him, and I’m so glad I did, because it was one of the most incredible experiences I had all year. Not only did I get to enjoy the music he liked, but I also had the opportunity to have several heart-to-heart conversations with him spanning the course of one night. Every time there was a break, Bilal would pull me aside and tell me to live my life on my own terms and live it to the fullest. He filled more in those few minutes than most people can do in an hour. He encouraged me to live my life as boldly as he did, to not care what other people thought, and to always remember who my true friends and family were.

I feel so lucky to have known someone with so much spirit, charisma, strength, knowledge, integrity, patience, and joy. You welcomed me into his life so easily, and I’m so grateful I got to learn so much from you during our time together. I will miss you always and I will do my best to live by the words you said to me.”

– Nupur

“We met as just some naive kids experiencing the ebbs and flows that came with trying to find our place in a new environment. Looking back, we worried about such frivolous things: what class to take, which groups to join, what party to go to, would Sakura ever let us come back again, did Leffe and Bushmills actually taste good or was it just because an upperclassman told us they did? But that was our world, and despite those worries, we had more fun than I could have ever imagined. We turned providence into our home. We spent countless nights dancing and meeting new people in an ever-expanding circle of friends. So many days lying around doing what seemed to be anything but work, occasionally wishing we had gone home a little earlier the night before—we both knew that was never going to happen. But, you were so much more than just a friend who was down to kick back or go out. You were always there if I needed someone to lend an ear. You were confident and compassionate. You never shied away from voicing your thoughts or learning from others, even those with disparate views. I admired your bravery, and I thank you for introducing me to so many of the things that you picked up along the way, whether they were ideas, music, fashion, people, or the many different connotations of the word “bro.” You grew into a truly remarkable man; you embodied the best characteristics in us all; you had a contagious zest for life; you made the people around you want to be better. I love you. It was a privilege to be able to grow beside you, to call you my brother, and to share in the joy that was your life. I know that wherever your next journey takes you, your light will continue to shine.”

– Jahan

“I only met Bilal too few times but each encounter remains crystal clear in my mind. Talking art and philosophy at the Saatchi Gallery; cheering on the Arsenal at Wembley; leaping with joy and excitement watching Usain Bolt at the London Olympics. Each encounter was such an unforced pleasure – to be in his engaging, warm company. He was of course taller and even more absurdly handsome than his wonderful father, for whom I had the privilege of working and admire so much. He was a chip off the old block and more. And this is how I will remember him – in the prime of his youth. All too short, but what a worthwhile life and he will be cherished by those lucky enough to know him always”

– John Murray

“Anyone who met Bilal can testify that he had a ‘one of a kind’ presence. The kind of person you met once and never forgot. He lit up every room he entered, exuding style, intellect, warmth, compassion for others and a ferocious appetite for living life to the fullest.

Bilal and I shared a love of history and I will forever cherish the conversations we had and the knowledge he passed onto me. The last time I visited Bilal, he rewatched the first season of Rome with me, narrating as we watched, even though he had already watched the series many times before, just because he knew I’d love the show. That was just the kind of person he was.

I used to joke each time I saw him that he had got even taller. Bilal was towering for more than just his height however. He was a towering force for always standing up for what he believed in, for being fiercely protective of his dearest Antar and for always encouraging those around him to be brave and follow their dreams. He really did live by the advice he gave.

Some of my favourite memories of Bilal centre around the dance floor. Bilal loved to dance and our time spent dancing across the world are experiences I will never forget, and will always hold dear to my heart . I’m not sure I’ll ever meet a more talented dancer.

Bilal, I am so blessed to have been able to call you a friend, so blessed to have shared the memories we did and so blessed to have received the life lessons that you gave to me. I love you and miss you.”

– Alicia

“I feel more than lucky and immensely grateful to have shared the four most defining and unforgettable years of my life with Bilal.
I grew up with Bilal.
He defined my taste in music (1er Gaou and La Boheme).
He introduced me to many special people I call my dearest friends today (Alex being a very important one).
He showed me how to dance without caring about my surroundings.
He always gave me the courage to be brave and take a leap of faith.
He taught me how to live fearlessly.
He reminded me to cherish myself.
Today I hold on tightly to our incredible memories; from Christmas markets in Vienna, volcanoes in Guadeloupe, stars in Croatia to islands in Columbia we shared every corner of the world.
And most of all, the streets of Providence, where you became my family away from home.
I will eternally admire your grace, kindness, intelligence, and friendship.
You will always be my hero.
I will celebrate you always.
I love you from the bottom of my heart.”

– Asli

“Tu danseras toujours

I love you very much
You have a place in my heart forever
I’ll think of you when I see the stars
And smile because I know you’re in heaven

You were a light for us all
A walking melody
A song so catchy it hummed
A rhyme well worth a dime

The girls and the boys flocked to you
To get you to put on your dancing shoes
A twirl in your arms was a fabulous woo
Dear sir, I doff my hat to you

Wise in your choices
Choice in your wisdom
Asking all the right questions
With unquestionably upbeat tempo

You dispensed kindness with a kick
The small things that you would laugh at
Like glitter on a batting eye
A flash in an otherwise demure gaze

On you of course chic slacks and an elegant turtleneck
Worn with an irresistible cheeky grin
Elegance incarnate
Something God really didn’t make on a whim.

If you were a musky scent
You’re the kind that stays long after you’re gone
And the smallest recollection
Brings it all right back again.

You can’t ever be matched exactly
Words wouldn’t be true to an essence so pure
But we all know what it felt like
We are forever in debt to you.

❤️”

– Cecile

“Bilal man… what a kind soul. The man had a smooth elegance and smile that would cruise through any room, without hesitation. What breaks my hear the most is the last time I saw Bilal one on one we had a cigar and a bottle of rose on a roof top terrace in London. The sun was shining, the jokes were flowing, we laughed and I Remember he said to me “Real talk, we have it pretty good. We’re the lucky ones”

That was him. He appreciated the love he had around him, he oozed good energy to the people he cared about.. and he wanted you to know that.

Bilal, i am so sad that was our last cigar. I really wish those opportunities would last a lifetime.

I’m sure we all have a different crossing of paths with him, but I know every single person that knew him had love for him. He was just that kind of soul.

I’ll be having a cigar and a rose for you my friend.

Until we meet again.

Cheers B Dog, you were one of a kind 🙏🏻”

– Guy Belot

“Bilal — Looking back on the time we shared together, it’s hard to recall a single moment in which I wasn’t happy. (I think our mutual aversion to the gym certainly helped with that). And of course we — you — tore up the dance floor like no other. And we shared meals and laughs and nights in the carrels across from each other working on research essays. And all of a sudden I would hear you start talking on the phone in French. You would have a twenty minute conversation and somehow still finish your paper before I had even written a full paragraph. I’ll truly never know how you did it.

Throughout it all you were also my role model. I’m not sure you realized it but even the briefest interactions — a passing conversation on the way to class or eye contact across the Rock gave me a bigger emotional lift than you knew.

You were the consummate gentlemen; kind to those you met and willing to go above and beyond for those you loved. Your happiness was infectious, your spirit unimpeachable, and your love and optimism for the world and our future always shone through. The time we spent together and the wisdom you shared gave me the confidence to grow and mature into the person I am today — one better because of your friendship.

And as I look over photos of us it breaks my heart because I have yet to find one where you or I, or anyone else isn’t smiling and I doubt I ever will.

I love you and will carry your spirit wherever I go.”

– Ryan

“Bilal,

Your zest for life was incredible. You had this ability to seize every chance to enjoy: a laugh, a Leffe, a song, a dance. You prioritized your responsibilities but the balance with which you lived your life was always so impressive to me. You naturally approached the world the way people ought to. You savored moments, and people, and didn’t waste a day. You valued people for their strength of character above all else and cared so deeply for your friends and family. Your laugh filled the room and we were all better for it. You were as elegant, well-mannered, and confident as you were fun-loving, compassionate, and warm.

When your voice was two octaves lower than everyone else’s at the first pledge event, an upperclassmen yelled: “Who invited Xerxes?” The name stuck and came to represent the love we all had for you. I remember eating Cipriani every night in FiDi, playing beer pong on Long Island, and my mom trying to figure out whose extra long collarless button down shirt she found in my closet. We studied, celebrated, analyzed thesis prompts, debated, and enjoyed endlessly.

I was two years your senior at Brown but I am certain you taught me more about life than I could ever have taught you.

I miss you dearly and will love you always.”

– Salaar

“During our life, we meet thousands of people and befriend many, but few, if we are fortunate, have a lasting impact on our life due to this friendship. For all of us, you were such a friend that truly has left a hole in our hearts but memories that we will cherish forever.

As we look back at precious moments with you, every one of us will remember the smile, voice and laugh that seemed to engulf each and every minute spent together. I recall one such time, while you were with us in London, when you agreed to attend one of my senior citizens’ tai chi classes, enticed by being seen as eye candy for the 70 to 90- year-old women. Your dance moves provided the perfect basis for a well-choreographed and self-styled tai chi session while serving as a total distraction for the female students. This was Bilal at his best as his smile and laugh permeated the studio that day and contributed more than he could ever know.

Linda recalls a lunch we had with Bilal and Francesca, in which Francesca said please let her order as Bilal loves to eat. Though Francesca usually orders enough for the surrounding tables and though sick at the time, Bilal did not disappoint, and we loved him for it. His presence could be felt in so many ways and we know that words cannot express the sorrow that Francesca feels at losing him.

It is times like these that produced memories that we will cherish and hopefully over time will look back and reflect on all the positive ways in which you contributed to our lives.

You were and will forever be truly loved, deeply missed but never forgotten!”

– Linda & Ron

“Bilal always made an impression on those lucky enough to meet him.

– Max

“My most precious moments with Bilal were our meals together. We made a point of having dinner, just the two of us, once or twice a semester at Brown. The first iteration of this tradition took place at the Ratty dining hall. At this point, Bilal was on the crew team. We would swipe in, find a table, and go our separate ways to get food. I always knew to have a full phone battery or something to read on these nights after crew practice, as Bilal needed to procure at least 3 trays of food! We spent hours in the cafeteria talking about our families, classes, weekend plans, sports, growing up… on many occasions we were the last students there.

– Charlotte Tisch

“We shall remember always Bilal’s exceptional personality, his warm character and the positive presence which he radiated to those around him, most particularly from our perspective to our son, Anton, for whom Bilal was a very close friend with whom he spent so much time and shared a genuine empathy through the years and across the numerous geographies that they travelled, whether Rhode Island, Berlin, Madrid or Miami since becoming friends at school, nearly a decade ago.

– Jonathan and Elena

“Bilal, the memories are too many to count. I can image saying that to you now and hearing your deep soulful laugh. I will miss the fun we had but I will never forget the amazing memories.

– Bella

“No words to describe you in any way
Life was a party with you
You still are dancing
I miss you a lot, and even more in these “moments” we talked about 🙂 – every time a song makes me “feel”, every time I talk about life, every time I dream
I always feel like you “share my feelings” when listening to Aznavour or Dalida, or you can read my mind when I spill my heart out. I feel very connected to you, and that’s who you are- you just know how things work, how people feel
I’m grateful I got to spend my formative years with you, around you. You will still be here
Everyone who met you fell in love with you in some way- with your energy, your laugh, your charisma, your dance moves, your kindness, your intellect, your wit, your ability to listen, and to appreciate and love people for who they are
You could talk about everything, with anyone
Tu etais tout. Smart, extremely well-read, full of intellect and knowledge, but also deep, trustworthy, authentic, fun-loving, kind, adventurous, and charismatic
You danced with life and inspired us
I hope we can live life the way you did
“Comme on dit là-bas, c’est 100%”! Et tout était à 100% avec toi. Je t’aime fort ❤️ till we meet again my brother ❤️”

– Kiara

“I knew Bilal through his Father and mother, he was a lovely boy and it was a pleasure to see him and his brother Antar grow into young men.His passing is a very sad loss to this world. My thoughts and prayers to the family and his friends.Sweet boy who I miss 😥”

– Gerry

“My dearest Bilal,

– Alia

“Today my heart is broken from the celebrations we should have had and had been looking forward to.

– Felicia

“I’ll play that song inside my head
you know the one

– Victoria

“Today, on Bilal’s birthday, he is in my thoughts more than usual. It seemed he celebrated everyday of his life, and I wish he was here to celebrate today.

– Bridie Gahan

“Happy birthday beautiful boy. I wish I could give some kind of feeling similar to the one you gave me whenever I was with you. Whenever I have a big moment in my life you are there to congratulate me and make me realize what I have done and what I should be happy for. I miss you. I don’t belive that your not here because you are. I know you’ll be receiving this. I’m sorry that I haven’t been able to process this well. I don’t know how to let my brain understand. I love you Bilal thank you for bringing such joy and winsdom in to my life. I’ve never felt more alive then when I was with you. So engaged in every moment. I’ve never learnt so much then with you. I’ll I want to do when I’m with you is consume. Take in every part of you to remember and not let one part of you go. I Remember all the lessons you’ve given me, history, family, values, cooking, love. I can’t wait to dance with you. I always am. We will continue to do it right for you. Thank you for being the light. Thank you for being a role model in every way and making me see how good a person can be. And how to look at life. What a man and a person should be. Happy birthday Bilal. Today is a great day, you were brought into this world 26 years ago. Taken from us too soon. You are still here, your voice your laugh echoes through us all. You are in us all. Your voice will always be the thing that makes me feel the most secure. I hear it all the time. There are no words for what you truly brought to me in my life. I don’t even know or can fathom but I know that you hit me hard. I am blessed to have shared moments with you to call you my friend and honored of the time you wanted to share with me. I felt accepted by you, like you saw me. I didn’t have to impress you but that’s all I wanted to do. I wanted to be my better self around you. I wanted to be the friend you were to me. I felt engaged with life with you. Thank you for your lessons, for the things that you shared. They will always be with me. My homie. My big brother. My friend. My love. My teacher. Thank you Bilal Thiam for sharing your moments with me. The biggest gift anyone has ever given me.

– Alexia Mavroleon

“I remember meeting Bilal at the old Starbucks on High Street Ken during winter break of his senior year at Brown. I had just been accepted and he kindly met with me to discuss all things Brown, America and the next stage of life. I was instantly struck by how striking, charming and warm he was. I was disappointed we didn’t cross over at Brown but his presence on campus could still be felt, with the mention of his name bringing instant light to people’s faces as they exclaimed ‘Bilal! I love him! Can’t believe he’s graduated!’ (I felt rather cool as a freshman having even some type of connection to him!). He was kind and open to me, a nervous incoming freshman to whom he owed absolutely nothing to, and for that I will always be grateful.

– Molly Chambers

“I met Bilal at the end of his life while hospitalized for treatment of his lymphoma. His intellect and gentle soul captured me. In the midst of painful suffering from a disease that had ravaged his body Bilal showed inspiring courage. To the very end he remained philosophical, eager to discuss meaningful issues and share life experiences. I regret I did not know Bilal when he was healthy and filled with enormous promise. His legacy will be perpetuated by all of us he touched.”

– Steven Rosen

“Hey Bilal, I remember the first day I came to ICS you became the only friend I really had!

I remember when we used to play wooden sword fights and eat pizza afterwards and laugh and have joy in our hearts and I remember how much of a great friend you were. I thought my first days of coming into school I thought I would be bullied until I met you my whole perception changed and you help me grow stronger as a friend and as I write this message as tears run down my face I want to tell you that I love you Bilal! and I miss every second of you right now and I’m sorry I wasn’t there, I’m going to miss you and from this day forth I promise you that I will be a better person I love you brother you will always be in my heart. you and your family are the best and YOU WILL ALWAYS BE IN MY HEART AND I LOVE YOU BROTHER

LET THE HEAVENS TAKE GOOD CARE OF YOU
ONE LOVE

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FL_BshgpNmo

– Giacomo

“Je n’ai pas connu Bilal. Je l’ai connu à travers l’amour que lui portait son père, à travers la force du sentiment et la peine si profonde que son père a exprimées dans cette si dure épreuve. La force de cet amour m’a ému et profondément impressionné. Par la mémoire et par ce sentiment survit Bilal. ‘À mon tour je tiens à lui rendre hommage ici de tout mon coeur.”

– Darius Rochebin

“There are no words to encapsulate the feeling of living one day without you, let alone 365. However, today I wanted to write something, to you, and for you.

I miss you so much, today and every day, more than yesterday and less than tomorrow. I miss your smile, I miss your warmth, I miss your laughter, I miss your candor and your unique blend of brilliance and humility. I wish, more than anything, that I could squeeze your hand one more time, and I pray that I shall again one day. I could write about you all day, but today, I wanted to talk about something else.

Today I wanted to write about May 9th 2020, because when I think of it, beyond the pain and beyond the injustice of all that you faced, I think of the two years that preceded it. Moreover, I think about how you used to joke that your illness was like a war, one in which you were the captain, leading the charge, and we your lieutenants, in the trenches with you. I want to try and use today as a commemoration, not of the war, but of the way in which you waged it.

You not only survived, day and in day out, but fought with everything you had, never ever losing your hope or strength of will. And perhaps, an even greater testament to you, is the fact that you never lost even an ounce of your kindness, your warmth, your belief or your ability to show love. I will never be able to put into words what a privilege it was to be in the trenches with you, for the parts of your journey which we walked together. So today, and every day, I salute you my brother.

Je t’aime Bilou, tu me manques, merci pour le temps que tu nous a donné, d’avoir été mon meilleur ami aussi bien que mon frère, pour toute ta sagesse, ta gentillesse et surtout ton amour. Tu restes notre cœur, jusqu’à ce qu’on se retrouve, nous essaierons de continuer.”

– Antar

“Bilal always treated me like a little sister.  He gave me selfless advice on meaningless troubles, he laughed at (and tried to help improve) my dancing skills, he gave me the best food and music recommendations, he reminded me every time i saw him that life (and health) was a gift and that no moment must be left uncelebrated. He knew how to celebrate. How to bring light and life to a room. I had no dull moments with him, he was funny and kind even when going through insurmountable pain. His energy and spirit still feels so close, and the memories i made with him make me so happy and thankful to have experienced moments alongside such a beautiful person. It’s hard to comprehend it’s been a year. We all think of you all the time and you’ve done so much good to ones you’ve given your time to. Thank you for teaching me so much strength. Can’t believe it has been a year. Will always carry you and your family in my heart and prayers, and will strive to live up to the standards you have set.”

– Rebeca

“I spent a large part of my sophomore/junior years at Brown abroad. When I returned I wasn’t sure who I would spend time with, who my friends were, and where I was comfortable. It was in this moment of discomfort and distance that I befriended Bilal. He made me feel welcome and, despite my persistently elusive state, would message me saying “I know you probably have better things to do” (of which holing myself up in the Rock was the obvious alternative), “but I’m having XYZ at my place and would love if you came.” Usually when someone refuses an invitation multiple times, people give up on them, but Bilal always persisted. Through my dissertation, through my bouts of academic isolation, and through other challenges, Bilal was one of the only people at Brown I could turn to both in private (for advice that has stayed with me to this day) and in public (if I ever felt I wanted to go out). He went out of his way to create spaces in which I was comfortable socialising, he softened my general aloofness, and he infinitely enhanced my time at Brown. Bilal’s incredible ability to listen attentively, respond insightfully, and treat everyone with respect has inspired the kind of person I want to be. I am eternally grateful for having lived in his light.”

– Nikhita

“Bilal taught me two things:
1. How to enjoy a cold beer. “You’re doing it all wrong he said. It’s about the mood.” The temperature has to be just right (super chilled). The acidity has to be perfect (lemon wedge in the corona). There’s a right time and place (at night a hidden local bar where he strikes up a casual conversation with the owner, in the day a beachside cabana). He knew how to slow down life’s pace and enjoy the little things – a conversation, a laugh and a beer.
2. How to dance spontaneously, find a partner, spin them around, laugh and smile and twirl and pose. There was joy in his every movement – for him, for his partner and anyone watching!

I’ll think of you every time I have a corona and every time I dance. Much love and power always.”

– Mili Sanwalka