How Can I Be Like My Friend, Naki?

This last week has been a whirlwind of emotions and disbelief. I am still in shock about Naki's passing. I don't think many moments have gone by that he and his family have not been in my thoughts and they have constantly been in my prayers. It has been so great to see how many have come together to pay tribute to what a great man he was. Naki played football for BYU and there have been tributes to him during the last two games. We actually had Malia over at our house during the first game and we watched it with her. It was wonderful for her to see how loved her father was. There has been such an amazing outpouring of love to him and his family which speaks for what a great person he really was.
On Thursday night, the family had a wake, following Tongan tradition and had an open mic available for people to get up and share their memories about Naki. It was wonderful to see Abby be the first to get up. She is so amazing! She has such a strong testimony of the plan of happiness and is able to see the big picture. It was so great to see everyone sharing their memories and love of Naki. There were plenty of tears but also plenty of laughs and just such a strong spirit.
Friday morning was the funeral. We got there really early to help out and I was glad we did because I have never seen the stake center more filled with people. So many people have been touched by Naki. It is the most amazing funeral I've ever been to. It was such a wonderful tribute to him. Everything was inspirational and faith-building. Naki's brother, Rex, did the life sketch of Naki and finished it with the most touching thing I've ever heard. He played the ukulele and sang the song, How Can I Be?. I have loved this song since the moment I heard it a few years ago. It is just a beautiful song. Here are the words and a video of it:




How can I be like my brother Nephi?
and My father Lehi of old?
How can I be like Captain Moroni
In the wars that were told?

How can I see forever
Like the promise to the three Nephites?
I wanna be Samuel the Lamanite
I wanna be Benjamin the Wise
I wanna be like Abinidi
Oh tell me how can I be like them?

How can I be like Alma the Younger,
Strong servant of the Lord?
How can I be like Mighty Ammon,
Whose heart was his sword?

How can I be a stripling warrior,
And learn to fight by faith?
I wanna be Samuel the Lamanite
I wanna be Benjamin the Wise
I wanna be like Abinidi
Oh tell me how can I be like them?

How can I be like my brother Joseph,
When he prayed in the grove of trees?
How can I have the strength that he had
And the love he had for God?

How can I be courageous
And strive to choose the right?
I wanna be Samuel the Lamanite
I wanna be Benjamin the Wise
I wanna be like Abinidi
I wanna be like Jesus Christ
Oh tell me how can I be like Him?
Oh tell me how can I be like Him?


At the end of the song, Rex added a new verse singing How Can I be like my brother Naki? It was beautiful and so heartfelt, and not an eye was dry in that packed church. I know that there are many, including myself, that whole heartedly agree with Rex's words. Naki was just an amazing man. He was such an example to all. If I could only be a little like him I would feel very lucky. Since the funeral, this song has not left my mind and I hope it doesn't any time soon.