When my
best friend from age 8 to age 22
died a few months ago, it was absolutely and completely
devastating.
The
funeral was supposed to be about 200 people -- a small
ceremony in a Christian church. Over 550 people showed up, most under the age of 27. Though everyone there was still in complete shock and denial, and
tears were flowing freely, you could see smiles and laughing as you looked through the tears -- everyone was
celebrating her
life ...
I was
honored to have had the chance to speak in front of all of these people. It was amazing to be able to talk about my closest friend in the world, how she had
changed my life, and how I knew she had changed everyone's life that was there that day.
Her mom asked her friends in a
punk band to get up in front of all of the friends and relatives to sing a couple of songs for her. Not your
traditional ceremony
music ... but that is what she would have wanted.
The day was sad, very, very sad. Even so, we all tried our best not to cry and feel sorry for ourselves, but
rejoice in the young girl who had changed all of our lives for the better.
I love you Jen.