I met Noi in California...
Yes, I thought she was gorgeous but our relationship simply began as a new friendship in my life and a connection to someone willing to assist me to organize a service tour in Thailand, since Thailand is where she is from.
Our relationship blossomed and led straight to the joy in my heart. We celebrate each November coming together and cherish finding each other.
Her name Noi is a nickname and in Thai, means little or small. Nicknames are very common in Thailand, it was Noi’s mother who gave her this name for Noi was a very tiny baby and wore the name well. Noi’s birth name is Kanlayanee (which means beautiful woman) and if you heard me try to pronounce Kanlayanee properly, you would know why I am hugely grateful to her mother for anointing her simply, Noi.
What inspires me most about Noi is her ability to accept whatever experience is in front of her. A tragic car accident forced her into a wheelchair when she was twenty-six years old. I marvel in witnessing Noi embracing each day of the life she has been given, even after that life-changing event altered so radically her future at such a young age.
A year before we met in California she lost her best friend and loving husband Denny, to a sudden heart attack. Facing life's challenges with grace is one of the many things which inspire me about Noi. She is an observer of an experience, rather than a victim of it. Oh, she feels the pain and sadness of loss deeply yet moves steadily forward, breathing through it one breathe at a time.
Perhaps Noi’s buddhist upbringing helped to mold her generous and giving personality or she is simply lucky to be able to lean a little further towards joy rather than toward life’s sorrows. It is my joy to share a little about Noi with you and give you a small glimpse of her depth and inspiration in my life. We have had many fun adventures and will strive for many more. I added a few of my favorite pictures of Noi, which I believe capture the essence of her. May you be reminded often by someone you love to lean a little more toward JOY on the other side of every challenge.
Be well,
Karl
