You know how they say that everyone enters your life for a reason? I wholeheartedly believe that to be true. I have met some of the most amazing people who will have a lasting impact on my life. Each person has contributed to who I am in some way, shape, or form, and for that I am grateful. There are certain people, though -- the ones who have a very special place in your heart. The ones you will never forget and can't thank God enough for crossing your paths.
My freshman year of high school I decided to try out for the tennis team. I only knew a few of the girls there since they were in my grade, but some of the older ones were unfamiliar. We did the typical stretches, drills, etc., all while getting to know each other. The team was announced a day or so later and practices officially began. Since I had never been on tennis team, I did not know what to expect. It ended up being one of my fondest memories in high school.
During the first few weeks I found out that I was going to be playing doubles and my partner was a year older than me. We instantly bonded and she became one of my closest friends. We didn't win every match, but we had fun every time we played together. We would convince the girls on the other team that we were actually sisters. She was the Venus to my Serena, and my tennis years wouldn't have been the same without her.
Our friendship started on the court and I could not be more thankful. The next few years included many practices and matches, Christmas parties, NYE get-togethers, etc. I think I spent three consecutive New Year's Eves at her house. It was a time she would put together for her closest friends to come and have fun and laugh all night. We both went off to school -- her to the East Coast and me still in the Midwest. Social media became the only form of communication we really had for the last 4-5+ years. We had made plans for the next time we were both in the same place to get together and watch the very last episode of Desperate Housewives. She couldn't bring herself to watch it. Neither of us wanted the show to end. More time passed and we never got a chance to have that catch-up date.
December 30th, 2014. I was scrolling through my Timehop app during the day and came across a picture from one of the parties mentioned above. It was a Christmas one from about seven years ago. I posted it on Instagram, tagged her in it and captioned it saying how much I missed her and her get-togethers. Hours went by and I found it odd that she had not commented back yet. Scrolling through Facebook later that day I saw a post that would change me forever. I found out that my beautiful friend had passed away. After years of dealing with an illness, she lost her battle. I was in complete shock and cried in bed all night. It was news I was not expecting and not prepared for at all. Gone too soon at just 27 years old.
To my friend who was taken away too soon,
I wish I would have been able to say goodbye to you. I wish that I would have made more time for you each time I came home to visit. I wish I would not have let years go by without seeing you. There are times I sit and think of you and have a conversation telling you how sorry I am for not being there in the end. I hope you know that I never thought any less of our friendship.
I'm sorry that social media and texting became the main source of communication in our friendship. I miss you and think about you all the time. I can't listen to Dru Hill's "Beauty" and not smile and think of you. I will always laugh a little when I picture you sneaking extra cheese cubes and Twizzlers at our tennis matches. I will always cherish the many parties we had at your house to bring in the New Year and celebrate Christmas. The conversations we would have on the bus to and from matches will always be some of my favorites. The in-depth talks we would have about Desperate Housewives still make me laugh. Nobody should have been as attached to a TV show as we were to that one. I miss the Snapchats of you in your car singing and putting on a show. Your smile will be one that I will never forget. I don't think anyone could forget it. I have learned that there is no better time than now to chase my dreams. To do all I can while I have the time -- and unfortunately, your passing showed me this. I pray all the time for your family and friends, and I pray that you are in Heaven finding your way.
To my beautiful friend who was taken too soon, I love you and miss you! Xoxo - Jboo!
If there is anything I learned from the passing of my friend, it is that time is truly precious. We never know when will be the last time we see someone. I have learned to make more time for the people I care about, even if it's five minutes. Whether it be a text or phone call, I make the time now. To each person you care about and love -- make sure they know. Hug your loved ones a little tighter. Enjoy your time with them and make as many memories as you can. Take tons of pictures, send cards and letters, and take mini road trips together. Accomplish all you can and chase your dreams. Fulfill your life with all of the things that make you happy as best you can.