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Friday, November 11, 2011

Rest now Kim, thank you for everything

My friend passed away this morning after a very long week, it's because her fellow classmates at the Career Academy moved so fast that we've all had the time to say goodbye to her, and I'm incredibly grateful to all of them for that.

Not that's easy to say goodbye, it's never easy.

Kim and I met in 1994, and she just knew we were going to be best friends. I was pretty baffled by why she was being so friendly and persistent. But she was right.

We've done a lot of very foolish things together, people do when they are growing. We've shared tears and laughter, we've grown together and I know that I'm a better person for having known her.

She took life in great big bites. Where I tend to live too much in my head, planning out projects and reading, she was out there grabbing life in both hands, trying new things, going places, and charming people where ever she went. That combination of sincerity and enthusiasm that too many people outgrow. She was the kindest, most patient, and caring person I've ever met. If she could help, she did. Every time.

She's been my biggest cheerleader through those years. Encouraging me to draw my cartoons when I was doing that, to paint, to learn. She was constantly learning. Always new things she wanted to know, taking classes on a regular basis.

It's really hard to imagine not being able to pick up the phone to call her, to not leave and get voice mails that just say "I was thinking of you. I love you. Call." and knowing that we would talk soon about everything going on in our lives.

Love should, if it's real, help you to become a better you. Help you reach heights in goodness, love and understanding that you might not be able to reach on your own. You reach them for love, or because love lifts you to them.

After a week on life support, her husband made the very hard decision to take her off. She went on breathing for sometime after that. She was surrounded by people who loved her. I said goodbye that day then came back the next day after I had the tears under control to read to her for a bit. She always knew we would be friends until the end. The end came much sooner than anyone could have expected.

For that last week, she had her husband, family and friends around her constantly. She's touched so many lives deeply.

Please, say a prayer or send a good wish for her husband and friends. This is a very hard time for him, for all of us.

I'm beyond grateful for her friendship through the years. It's been a blessing and an honor to have been in her life.

Rest now Kim, thank you for everything. You'll be in my heart always until we meet again.

6 comments:

  1. So sorry to hear this but glad that you two got to meet. There isn't enough people in the world that makes you feel special and that is something to cherish.

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  2. Shala -

    I'm so sorry to hear about your friend. Keeping you and her family in my prayers.

    Elaine Allen

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  3. I'm so sorry to hear about your loss. She sounds like a truly bright shining star.

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  4. Shala, I am so sorry to hear of your friend's passing. It is wonderful that you got to spend the last few moments of her life with her. She has moved on but will be waiting to see you again. Keeping you and her family in my thoughts and prayers.

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  5. Thank you all.
    Sarajessica- It is something to cherish, she taught me a lot, but one of the best things she taught me was to let people know, individually and specifically just how special they are to you. How much you love them.
    Hiedianna- Truly, and it's something that many people who knew her are saying now. She was an inspiration and a joy.
    Long string of numbers (grin*- Thank you, it was a moment of grace I'll be forever thankful for, to spend that time with her.

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  6. Dear Shala, I'm sorry you lost your friend too soon. But you have such fabulous times to cherish. How lucky your are. Take care, Sally

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