Ahja and I lived together in my parent's home on Broadway during a period of both great trial and courage and strength in both of our lives. I was so lucky to have found her and chanced to make this arrangement with her. She was a great refuge to me. 

On many evenings there I would find her deep in reflection and working hard on herself through a book, making lists of ways she sought to grow, in prayer alone or with others. She fought harder than many for water from a deeper well.  We went together from struggling through the day to get through a waitressing shift with some semblance of emotional intelligence to exponential spiritual, professional, and social growth in such a short period. She was soon a nurse and a mentor to other women who struggled.

She drove me towards service when I was lost in self. She embodied such depth of focus on getting well that it was hard to not follow suit and attempt to keep pace with her movement towards better. We drank chamomile tea, ran frequently, and fell in love with our respective partners there. A great deal of sushi was consumed and many nights when I heard her bubbly laughter coming from the back porch, I was so comforted to share a home with her.
 
In my favorite mental image of her she is beaming ear to ear at my wedding shower, many months pregnant with Cris and glowing in the anticipation of her child's birth. She was so anguishingly beautiful that day. So full of that ethereal delicate grace we all saw in her. 

I will remember her as a seeker and a mystic in her own right. Ahja, you will always be a light to me. Reece, I will never forget those years and send such love to you and your family. Cris, your mother fought harder than any of us may ever understand. May her epic grace that shone through all of it be a light to your path. 

 

Ahja was one of my closest friends and she has left a huge mark on my life. I was so honored to be there through her successes and share in her struggles, as she was for me for over ten years. Her love for Cristopher amazed me. I am so sorry her pain was so great and hope she is finally at peace. A part of her wil be with me and my son forever.

Ahja was so excited to see her niece Samantha over the 4th of July weekend. Living in Arizona, we only got to see each other once a year. Sammi is like her aunt in so many ways: left-handed, June birthdays, first children in their families. Ahja and Sammi formed an instant bond, eating french toast and strawberries together and smiling at everyone in the room. Seeing them together made me realize that I was fortunate to have such beautiful girls in my life. 

This was at a wedding during a prayer. I always thought this picture was so beautiful because of how peaceful she looked. I knew at the time that I should be praying too but I wanted to capture her in that moment.