Tribute to my friend

[tyger]

A few days ago, I lost a friend of mine. We didn't grow up together. I've only known her for a few years. I didn't have the noblest of intentions when I pursued her. But I considered her to be my friend. She was honest with me and I with her. I saw a side of her that only a few others have seen. I ended up caring for her a lot. There was something about her that was easy to fall for. She even called me on it because she's heard it before. She was very real. Very down to earth. Nothing fake or phony about her. If she thought of you to be her friend, then you were her friend. She opened up to me with fear of judgment or rejection and I responded in kind. We shared things with each other, more than I think we both anticipated. Being with her was so liberating and our moments together was so intimate in both body and mind.

She, like the rest of us, had her 'demons'. Last year, she went away and sought help. I gave her money for food and gas for her journey. Before I knew it, she was back and doing her best to start over and live a new life. I gave her my full support and offered my assistance should she ever need someone to talk to or a shoulder to cry on. And she did for a while but I guess she wanted to move on all on her own. I think she was on her way...but her 'demons' came back to finally claim her.

The last time I spoke to her was six months ago to wish her a Merry Christmas. She was on her way to the mall to do some last-minute Christmas shopping. We talked for a few minutes, wished each other a Merry Christmas and that we'd see each other later. Well, despite the fact that she's no longer here, I'm going to hold on to my belief that I will, some day, see her again. Gone too soon, leaving a whole lot of family and friends behind to miss her. I know she didn't want to leave us but...sometimes when you live a fast life, it's over before you know it. And we are left to ponder why and what might have been...but ultimately move on. I have, and will continue to, laugh out loud whenever a funny memory of her comes to mind and will shed a tear or two with the knowledge that there will be no new memories or experiences for us to share. My baby girl, my guilty pleasure, my friend...I miss you and I will never forget you.