Although I hate to admit it, I have been preparing myself to write this since I discovered Bonnie was sick again. So many days seem to blend together for me anymore, but the day I knew she was sick will forever stand out among others. So quickly we begin to ask ourselves why. A mire instance may pass before we begin to feel sorrow and pain for our loved one. As you all know, Bonnie would have none of this. So regally she would hold her head high and continue to move forward, not out of pride, but out of understanding. 
When I was around twelve years old, my cousin passed away in a tragic accident that plagued my very being for years. Countless hours I spent searching for reason and truth. It is clichéÂ’ to say, but we all ask the question why when a loved one goes. For some people that question can soon be cast aside when acceptance finally sets in. For me, there was no acceptance, at least not in the short term. It took me over four years to come to grips with what happened. The logic and reasoning that came to me then stays with me to this day, and as far as I can tell, it applies to the passing of Bonnie. 
After years of turning my cousinÂ’s death through my mind, it occurred to me that there was a reason for his death; or a purpose if you will. It is a common belief through many religions and cultures that we all have a purpose, be it grand or small. My cousin had begun to travel down a dark and jagged road; his new friends were drugs and alcohol. His death, I realized as well, was not a tragic accident, but one of negligence and immaturity. As if light had broken through the clouds and shinned upon me I discovered the purpose of his life. He was to show me, among others, what can happen when you let clear thought escape you. He served as an example of what not to do. 
How does this apply to Bonnie? Despite her condition and knowledge of her eventual death, she held herself high and continued moving forward. As many times as my grandma would try to convey sympathy towards her, she would not once accept it. Instead of dwelling on the inevitable, Bonnie embraced the present and lived it to the best of her ability. Her purpose was to show all of us that no matter how difficult times may be, that there is always hope and a chance to make the best of it. Life is short and unfortunately shorter for some than any of us would like, but she showed us how to live it. 
On behalf of myself and my family, 
With all the love that one can give, 
Christopher Anderson##imported-begin##Christopher Anderson##imported-end##