Boston, Massachusetts
Almost Parents
Rahma Salie, of Sri Lankan descent, grew up in Japan. Michael Theodoridis, of Greek descent, grew up in Switzerland. She was a Muslim; he converted to Islam before they married in 1998. They had received some good news a few months earlier.
Ms. Salie, 28, a graduate of Wellesley College, was chief operating officer of Cinoni, and Mr. Theodoridis, 32, a graduate of Boston University, was a technology consultant in Cambridge, Mass. They lived on the outskirts of Boston and were passengers on American Airlines Flight 11 on Sept. 11, on their way to a wedding in California.
Abdullah Haydar worked for Mr. Theodoridis at I-Cube, and when they first met, he informed his boss that he needed to go to a mosque on Fridays at lunchtime. "He said, `Yeah, yeah I know,' but with a name like Michael Theodoridis, you would not necessarily expect that."
Mr. Haydar remembers that he seemed to serve as Mr. Theodoridis's conscience during Ramadan, when Muslims are supposed to fast unless they are traveling. "He'd be in Germany during Ramadan, drinking a Coke, and he'd be like, `No, no, I just got here on the flight, I'm not not fasting," Mr. Haydar said. "It was a friendly thing between us."
When Mr. Haydar last heard from him, Mr. Theodoridis told him how excited he was at the prospect of becoming a father. Ms. Salie was seven months' pregnant with their first child.
Rahma was my babysitter in Tokyo. All the years I lived in Manhattan I couldn´t bear to visit the memorial at the World Trade Center. I ran away from boarding school at age 12 and ended up in Japan and Rahma was one of the first persons I met at ISSH graduation. It´s a long story. But there she was smiling and told me it was going o be ok! She´s dearly missed.
Gareth
December 10, 2024 | Friend
Our continued thoughts of deep sympathy we send. Everyday may God give the strength and peace needed. Rahma is still missed greatly and will always be remembered.
The Kindred Family
October 26, 2019
I cant imagine what the friends and family of Rahma and Michael must be feeling today, but I offer my thoughts, prayers, reflections, and love to beautiful lives gone too soon. May every day become a little bit easier and may your tears give way to more fond memories over time. Thinking of you all on this day of remembrance ❤
J M
September 11, 2019 | Shrewsbury, MA
Thoughts and prayers are with yours and Michael's friends and families today. We will never forget. With much love from Texas.
Del Newberry
June 28, 2017 | Garland, TX
Remembering Rahma at the time she was a lovely smiling student in Tokyo and still stunned at the loss.
Jane Flynn
September 11, 2015 | New York
It was my honor to honor Rahma during the 2 Million Bikers to DC Remembrance and Honor Ride on 9-11-2014. The motto used in this country since this tragedy has been "Never Forget". To the family, know that I have not forgotten and never will for the remainder of my days.
September 15, 2014
I had the pleasure of working with both Rahma and Micky. My wife and i were friends with both of these beautiful people. My wife and Rahma were pregnant at the same time and our daughter Claire was born in November. Every time 911 comes around i have this terrible feeling of loss looking at what should have been that was stolen. We are so fortunate to have these memories of these wonderful people. When we leave this place we will get to see them again and thank them for providing us with...
September 11, 2014
Thank you for your life.
L. W.
September 08, 2014 | Ashville, NC
Rahma, you were my friend, my chosen family, my insides. I miss you every day and will never be the same. It's been twelve years and it still hurts so much. I wish you and Micky had met my husband (you'd love him and he'd love you), I wish our kids could play together, I wish I could see your smile, hear your voice, hear your laugh, listen to your silly jokes...so many memories. So much lost. I love you and miss you forever. Every day. Still.
T
September 09, 2013 | MA