Shirley Liberman

I knew Noah as a child and as a batmitzvah boy and as a kid enjoying the delights of Hawaii.  I wish I'd known him better as he grew into a man and my heart is sad that I didn't get the chance.  My prayers go to his parents who have gone through hell and must go on with their lives without their children and for Noah for all the pain he has endured. 
With tears
Shirley Liberman

Allan Bernstein...a loving friend of Noah and his family

I should not have been surprised when he and I chatted a few weeks ago, but somehow, in my mind, he was still that kind of awkward shy cute young boy that I had seen over the years. Imagine...Noah was a grownup.

I loved sharing stories and philosophies with you, Noah. It seemed that we had a lot in common even though there were many years between us. I was impressed by your truthfulness and honesty during this difficult time. I realized that, like me, you value honesty above all; it seems both of us have spent much of our lives trying to be what we thought others wanted us to be. Funny, you learned more quickly than I. I was in my mid 30's when I realized that I like myself. You figured it out in your 20's.

I loved the serenity that you care with you. Clearly your mom's interest in eastern culture has opened many doors for you. I loved the koens you shared with me. I will often think of the man relishing how sweet it is, while trying to avoid two viscous tigers. Not remarkable that after fighting for yourself for most of your life and now facing the end, you too realize how sweet it is.

You are likely bored with hearing this story, but I must share it with others. It bears witness to what that cute little blonde haired boy (maybe age 7-8) was to come. Please bear with me...doze off if it bores you...I will understand. So, here goes.

Many years ago, I was fortunate enough to be seated with the Nacamulli family at a community Seder at fort mason. Noah and Aaron were a little bored, like the other kids.

They perked up a lot when it was time to retrieve their "gifts" for participating in the

Afikomen search. (btw, that is still one of my favorite parts of the Seder). All the kids

Scrambled and returned to their tables with gifts for their participation. They were so happy, but not you, Noah. You returned to the table in tears. Seems that although you received your reward, your friend did not. And, damn it, they ran out. You were so concerned about the lack of reward for your buddy. Tears filled your rosy cheeks. Thank g-d, we all survived.

So, perhaps I am a slow learner, but that should have been my first clue that you were to become a kind, thoughtful, giving man among men (oh dear...person among persons).

I left your house last week with a profound sense of loss. My sadness was your impending death, because I knew that would end your horrific pain. My sadness was that I could not glean more from your incredible mind. You are a remarkable young man. I should have seen it coming!

Please know that I will continue to love and admire you. I will speak of you often. I promised

That I would help keep your memory alive over a robust Thai meal with your mom and dad, my dear friends Bob and Lorraine and with your aunt and uncle Florence and Steve. I also promise that when I am in Venice this summer, I will speak of you with your cousin Mikki and we will salute your memory and your wonderful like.

When you leave, leave in peace, know that you are loved and admired by many. I am proud to be a member of the Noah Nacamulli fan club.

Remember Noah, it is sweet.

Allan Bernstein...a loving friend of Noah and his family

Lydia Zinn

Lydia Zinn from CSZ here, sending up a flare here.  I've never blogged before, so you have the dubious distinction of introducing me -- a relative luddite -- to a more contemporary way of communicating.  So I thank you for that, especially since, if I were to send you a smoke signal instead of an e-mail, the fog would probably make my smoke message pretty indistinguishable from just another pretty fogbank. 
I'm sitting in our attic now, looking out at the N Judah trains go by, thinking of you in your home along the N Judah line. 
A friend of mine sent me an e-mail regarding your new blog, and I was really struck by your creative impulse. 
I scarcely know you, beyond a few brief encounters while you were working at CSZ during which I made a mental note that went something like:  what a nice young man!  However, you might be surprised to know that you have been on my mind now for months, and I have a strong suspicion that I will never forget you. 
What I really liked about visiting you was that your pets were so loving.  That always puts me at ease.  And I also really liked the fact that you typed me a "hello" on your computer, although I clumsily didn't really hold up my end of that conversation.  So, begging your forgiveness, and wishing you peace,
In solidarity,
Lydia.