Don't forget

"Everything has its time and everything dies" - Doctor Who

"While everything may die, nothing is ever truly forgotten until you will it so" - Unknown

I still remember this friend I had years ago... I can't remember her name... or what she did, but I remember her beautiful voice, how full of joy and laughter it was, even as she was dying of cancer. I was 12 when I met her, this 19 year old woman... when I was 13 she dropped off the face of the earth till I was 14, she had come back for just one last time, to tell me good bye... that things had gotten so much worse. I watched her on her video... and she was still smiling.... I didn't understand why she was so happy... she was going to die. That month, she knew it and yet.. she smiled like the world was so beautiful. That even though she was in so much pain, laying there knowing she only had days left... that she could smile and be so happy that I was still there and concerned for her.

I want to remember what she said... I know it was something important... something along some happy line... that no matter how bad things are or how bad things get, that she learned to appreciate what she did have. That while, yes, she was dying... and yes this was the last time we'd talk... that she was still happy, because she had so many people in her life that cared, so many things that were so simple, so joyful that made her happy. Sure, she was in pain, sure she was dying, but she took joy in that sunrise she saw, in the laughter of a child, in the tears that fell from both of us as we said goodbye that night for the last time.

You know... I miss her. She was a great friend and she taught me such a massively important lesson early on. That no matter how dark things are, how badly things may end for you... there is always something to smile about. Even in your darkest hours, you can smile because there is always someone who loves you and wants you to be happy. Kira.... her name was Kira. And she died 8 years ago, but I still remember her... and I always will for the lesson she taught me. Kira will be the first name I have put on me.

Kira - Smile Always

Everything has its time, everything dies.... but that doesn't mean you are to be forgotten.