What Really Matters

By: Kulsum and Khaleel Ahmed

As Ray and Linda’s neighbors for the last 11 years, we got to know many different sides of Ray: some expected, some unexpected, and some just downright hilarious. Ray was so incredibly proud of his children. He would glowingly tell us about what they were doing, but also about their different life events. He was determined to be a part of these events, despite his health, and his grit and resilience, together with Linda’s rock steady support, ensured that for so many years. His big heart though had room for many more children too. His interest and the time that he spent talking to our children about their experiences and their future plans, and his mentoring of them meant a lot to us. So, it was no surprise to learn about his support for the Washington School for Girls, and the sincere pride he took in that excellent institution and its students and their achievements. The amazing work he did for this school spoke to the kindness he had for so many. Then there was the time when he decided he would come to my Qigong (aka moving meditation) class to see if it could help with his pain management. However, on that day, we happened to be the only two in the class! He goodnaturedly went through all the exercises, without telling the instructor that he had just had two hip transplants! Instead he proudly explained to him that his wife was a pediatric cardiologist and that we were neighbors. Over the years, there were many interactions – just a quick chat over putting out the trash every week or more elaborate get-togethers. Each one brings its own memories. “It’s just a pre-dinner snack” he said with a smile, as he and Linda rolled out a multi-course meal on their beautiful balcony, surrounded by trees, one summer evening last year. Or, “look at those peonies,” his last words to us, as he walked by with Linda, their daughters and their first grandson, out on a walk in May. Ray always knew what really mattered in the end. He understood that the only things we leave behind that last are our values, passed on through our children, the memories of our interactions with others, and the impact of our actions to make a positive difference in the lives of others. In all these ways, Ray Tiernan left behind a huge legacy. We feel very privileged to have known him.