Eight years ago, I returned to my senior year with a heavy heart. This past summer, I returned to JBU to make sure Heather's memory was still alive. It is.
Despite construction around it, Heather's little tree is flourishing. Which brought tears to my eyes and made me happy at the same time. Standing there, telling my fiance her story, how she changed me, I cried. Actually, I've cried about her death a lot this year. Which seems strange, but maybe it's because I'm finally in a place to put her life and death in perspective. Maybe it's because I attended her best friend's wedding without her. Maybe because I still think about her all the time.
She thought she was worthless. She thought no one cared. That breaks my heart, even now. This tree, her memory, her story are still so strong in my mind. She changed my world. My worldview. Heather...you are still loved. Thank you for all you gave us while you were here.
No comments:
Post a Comment