Maybe this would be better written in my journal, but I feel a need to share my feelings, and I know so many people back home are also grieving for you, and that you used to tell me how much u loved reading my blog, so this one is for you Gbaby.
I never even considered when I left the states that I wouldn't return to see your beautiful smile. We talked so much about me coming to see u in san Diego, I wish I would have come before I left, instead of waiting until after my service.
You have always been such an amazing friend, whether it was relaxing and chatting, going out to party and get drinks, or taking me through the rainbow car wash, it was always a great time. You always had the newest and best music, a smile that couldn't help but be contagious, no matter what my mood. U taught me what it means to be truly caring, genuine, and generous, you always had so much love and such an open heart. Many of my best memories are because you took my hand and showed me how to have a good time. You even came to visit me when I lived in Olympia, u were so sweet to all my friends and we had more fun than I could have expected. In Portland we were too young to rent a hotel but u convinced the guy to do it anyway. No one could refuse your smile and good nature. I always looked up to you, how easily you could make friends, have fun, and how beautiful you were, even hungover after we'd been up partying all night. I will always admire your bravery and openness.
You always were there with good advice and a hug anytime I needed it. I don't think there is a person who knew you that didn't love u. I will always cherish the great times we had, your endless willingness to have fun and make friends, and complete fearlessness. I hope you rest in paradise and are a guardian angel for your amazing mom, who has been a mom to so many of us. Les, I love you and I pray that you can find some peace because I cant imagine your pain. Gina you are a treasure to us all, and you will always be loved by so many.
It's hard being so far away. In a lot of ways I feel helpless. I found out on facebook and I'm still not entirely sure what happened, except that it was a car accident. Thank you to all my friends who have offered support. Even agogo (grandma) gave her condolences when she found out, even if it was all in nyanja. I've been lucky to never have anyone close to me pass until now, and for the first time in my life I find myself praying that there is a heaven and that you are at complete peace.
I can't help but feel you were too young, had too much to look forward to, and that selfishly, I want to spend more time with u. As much as it hurts and I miss u, I'm.grateful for all the good times, and the pain of losing you is worth every second of having known u. I love u Gina, today, tomorrow, and always you will be one of my best friends. Writing about u in the past tense breaks my heart, because I still can't comprehend that ur gone. Me and so many other people will miss you everyday, forever. Thank you for being an amazing friend and light in my life.
