Haslyn and Kayondi Howard

Antonio, tyrone, and haslyn

Haslyn was one of Antonio's best friends.  I met Hasyln while he was attending the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, and Antonio was attending Northwestern Kellogg School of Business.  They met during undergrad at Wake Forest University in North Carolina and they kept in touch over the years. 

Haslyn, Tyrone,antonio,elton, and bill

Antonio was in Haslyn’s wedding to Kayondi.   Haslyn was in our wedding.   He and his family have lived in the NY Metropolitan area since business school. 

Our first two girls were born within months of each other. Our families visited frequently and had good times together.  At the time Alivia and Kaylyn were born, we were living in Indy. Antonio and I eventually settling in Maryland. 

When Antonio became sick, their support and visits to Maryland increased.  Antonio's and I's oldest had just turned five and our children were spending time and celebrating together juxtaposed with Antonio being acutely ill. They were there when Antonio passed. 

In the days, weeks, months and years that passed we stayed close.  We were in NY with significant frequency. It was an easy car ride away. The girls would play together under Kayondi and Haslyn’s watch and I would occasionally venture into Manhattan to meet up with friends from Colgate and beyond.

When my jersey was retired at Colgate, they were there! When we went to Chicago to remember Antonio’s birthday. (even when Kayondi was way pregnant)- they were there!

CHICAGO

HowardS IN chi

When my mom passed and I stepped into her shoes to raise my niece and nephew further compounded by COVID our visits came to an abrupt halt. They found other ways to love us! Active wear and shoes arrived in droves for my newly acquired joyful crew of four children.   

When my younger brother passed and my air condition failed, they were there for that, too.  Time and time again they showed up in clutch moments to support, love, and invest into me and my children's lives. 

This friendship was forged by Antonio and Haslyn in undergrad. Antonio’s memory lives on through friendships like this. I have been through a lot of change and loss beyond Antonio and Haslyn has honored their brotherhood through them. The Howards have been near to us for the long haul. I imagine that Haslyn, having lost his mother early in life, was very sensitive to the ongoing needs and challenges one experiences after loss. “Whatever you need just ask” has been his recurring sentiment. This is uncommon! Whether or not this is intentional or simple knit into the fabric of his story of resilience, He and Kayondi have loved us well as life goes on!

Our girls grew into teens during COVID. Add additional children, sports, and activities, we don’t see each other as much as we would like, but there is great love there. They remain chosen family for a lifetime!