Who's That Girl?

There are special people who come into your life at different times and today I would like to take a moment to honour someone that has made an impact not only in my life but so many others in our community.

Although we went to the same high school and our friend groups crossed paths on some occasions, we never had the opportunity to really hang out and get to know each other back then.  Fast forward to several years later another school would bring us together but this time, it was for our children.  Over the years we built a beautiful friendship, shared our mutual love for all things Disney, sending memes or Instagram posts and videos dreaming about a future trip together. We worked together on school projects and functions being part of parent council and spent several days/nights together laughing, chatting, crying and toasting to endless possibilities for the future over drinks.  She came through for Mila and I, and was an amazing friend to Mark always making him feel comfortable when he didn’t always feel comfortable within himself.  She was spontaneous, energetic, thoughtful, encouraging, brilliant, a creative genius, and we could always share a good conversation sprinkled with a decent helping of curse words and we laughed about it. 

The day she shared her diagnosis with us, my heart crumbled out of fear of what was to come, yet somehow, she eased those fears for all of us.  She had a strong sense of faith and was tougher than nails and made it perfectly clear that she was going to fight this battle like no other.  Not once throughout her battle did she let it define her or slow her down.  She continued to push forward, to give her everything to all her family and friends and she continued to have faith that it would all work out.  We did too.  Not once did I ever think that she wouldn’t win this battle.  I truly felt that if anyone could beat it, it would be her. 

Despite her battle she still showed up for everyone, always.  Whether it be through one of her pep talk phone calls always encouraging me to keep pushing forward, bringing back a thoughtful trinket from her family Disney vacation or showing up on my doorstep on my 1^st wedding anniversary after Mark’s passing with beautiful flowers for Mila and I just to put a smile on our faces.  A text message checking in to see how her “nerds” were doing in school and letting us know how incredibly proud she was of us.  Things started getting tougher, yet she still showed up whether it be by volunteering at the church, for school pizza days, attending every single parent council call with guns a blazing full of ideas and plans always wanting to do the best for our school, for our kids and our entire community because that is who she was.  The woman with a tough shell but a huge warm heart and the biggest smile. The devoted wife and powerhouse momma of 3 incredible boys.  The selfless giver.  The inspiring friend.

Today we are saying goodbye to this beautiful soul and my heart breaks for her and the life she should still be living.  My heart breaks for her entire family but even more so for her husband and beautiful boys who have an uphill battle ahead of them like no other.  My heart breaks because I lost another amazing friend way too soon.  

V, we told each other frequently that we were grateful for our friendship and that we loved each other but I still wish I had one more chance to tell you again. I am thankful for each hug we shared every single time we saw each other and for every photo we took together despite me never wanting to be in photos because I will treasure each one for always.  V, I wish you eternal peace and freedom from the pain and suffering you so unfairly endured.  But most of all, I thank you for being the incredible human being you were to anyone that had the pleasure and honour of having you in any part of their lives.  

You will forever be in my thoughts and in my heart but most importantly you, Paul and the boys will never be forgotten.   Love you, V. xo

LM