Adriana Aea
I know I'm not alone when I say that Ive experienced the hand full of curveballs that life likes to pitch at us. And of course, you were no stranger to the game. Ive learned to become quiet resilient to the sensations of loss, sadness, and grief. It seems that we are constantly in a state of forward motion, on from one thing to the next. But nothing could stop me dead in my tracks and freeze myself in a state of reflection like the news of your passing. Though you were only in my life for a short time, your presence made all the difference for me as a high school student. Especially as a Freshman. Your welcoming nature, positive attitude, and warm disposition invited even the shyest person to want to reach out and simply shake your hand. To which you would reply by giving them a warm hug. Its the small gestures of kindness that mean the most because from you, there were always an act of character. And that, I will never forget. I truly believe that you were a living model encouraging people through your actions to carefully consider our behavior, language, and decisions each day. I know this is true because I received that lesson through my first role model in high school, Colette Moss (I don't even think she knows this haha) And she reciprocated that same kindness with every person she met effectively bringing out the best in them. Your influence goes beyond your life time, it touched the people that you loved and cared for and made a difference for the lucky people like me that happened to cross paths with them and eventually, to you. I wish I had wisdom then, that I have now, to understand the importance to retracing my steps and thanking those that have truly made an impact on my life. Especially you. I can only repay the kindness by continuing my acts of character so that others can be inspired to do the same. May you rest in peace as you leave this lifetime and may God be with you as you transition to the next phase in your journey.
Thank you.
