I met Dianne in high school. We graduated in '73. I think we had English class together. She was friendly, smart, cute and had a nice smile. In '86 I learned she had passed which saddened me greatly - it was so unfair. Now it's 3/16/2024 and for some reason I'm thinking of her again, and again, I am saddened. Our times together were few but somehow her light burned a lasting impression into my mind or heart or soul so somehow, she has stayed with me. In her yearbook she said "I respect all that is real and either accept or tolerate the rest."
She remains real to me.  

Thinking of you this 2021 Holiday season Dianne.... Whenever things get too complex and confusing in these times, I reflect back in my memories to younger days and younger friends, where you always pop up among that friendly crowd hanging out on the St. Mary's school ground during lunch time. Brings a real big smile to my face every time.... RIP Dianne

A light shinning through the mist
That penetrates the dark so deep
Cannot be so easily missed
So too her smile the heart will always keep
                                           -NV