In Memoriam

When I was a child in my "old life" - that is, when I lived in southern California - I attended a small catholic grade school. It was there that I met one of my dear friends back then; Stefani Garza. We would play at each others' houses, sneak sips of beer from our fathers while they talked woodworking, and would play in her backyard oasis of a giant avocado tree and a dilapidated old model T car. It was a great sunny childhood and I missed her after our family moved north to Oregon.

As most kids after such a large move, I lost all contact with those kids in sunny California. As one always does, there were reminisces, wondering "what if" to everyone I used to know, etc. But life has a way of always keeping you busy in the moment, and that's where I was until this week when I got an email from out of the blue.

Another schoolmate had found me on the internet and sent me an email letting me know that my dear old friend, Stefani Garza, had passed away. She couldn't have been older than 33, and I was just shocked and saddened that this sweet soul couldn't have enjoyed more time on this earth. Worse yet, I found out her parents had both preceeded her. I sat there, reading the email, just so grateful for all I have - the joys and the pains - and that I get to wake up again and enjoy life once again. And how I wish that could be the same for dear Stefani.

I remember her house so well - 60's era cinderblock walls surrounding a really cool patio with a palm tree and some odd tropical plants with little seed pods we'd play with, a large stand of bird-of-paradise flowers that I would always play with. We spend many sunny afternoons playing around in that yard; innocent, carefree. That is how I will always remember my dear old friend. I always missed you Stefani and I always will. Your spark will always live on in my heart.