June 3rd will be forever bittersweet for me. My daughter was born on this date, which makes me happy. But my adolescent idol, Muhammad Ali, has passed away. He meant so much to so many people that I know I am not alone in the deep sadness I feel. I also know I cannot claim to love Ali more than anyone else who is grieving over what feels like a sudden loss. All I can do is remember him for who he was and what he did for others, and certainly, for the influence he had on me.
Seventy-four is considered young today. But besides influencing many lives, Muhammad Ali also lived many lives. I’ll let history explain why I say that. All I want to add here is that I hope The Greatest has found what his religion promised him. It was his belief in Allah that helped him through tough times, and I’m sure it also helped him to believe in himself when he needed to. He was a wonderful example of what self-love looks like and he will be greatly missed. Ali! Ali! Ali!