“Welcome to Naropa, how can I help you?” Mira said with the biggest smile and the voice of an angel.

“I’m here to apply for the work-study position.” I said.

“How wonderful!” she exclaimed as she ushered me into the conference room where we sat and talked about the ins and outs of the Admissions work-study job.

When she offered me the role, I knew immediately I wanted to work in her office - her energy was so uplifting and nurturing - just what I needed as an 18 year old, fresh out of high school and living on my own, in a new place, for the first time.

Little did I know that moment would begin a 19 year friendship.

you weren’t only a dear friend, but you became like a second mom to me.

After I graduated in 2006, our friendship evolved … I was the maid of honor at your wedding … you read my favorite poem at my wedding … I worked for you in your bookkeeping business (that you started after leaving Naropa) and you were my first Virtual Assistant in my business.

You were the epitome of strength, determination and fierce love. You knew what you believed in and weren’t afraid to stand up for it, while at the same time, showering the people in your life with kindness, generosity, understanding and support.

You always made me feel so seen, special and loved… you watched me “grow up” in a sense and I felt like you were proud of my accomplishments like a daughter.

Mira, I knew you were sick … but somehow I thought you were superhuman. You beat the odds for so many years. Even though you faced so many challenges, your positive attitude was contagious and uplifted everyone around you … even when you were suffering.

Lately, when I’ve felt overwhelmed by some of my own health challenges (which are way less serious than what you had to deal with), I think of you and “if Mira could do it, I can do it.” You are my hero, my inspiration.

I’m so glad that you were able to move to California in 2020 to be closer to Josh and Lehia, that you found love and that you soaked up life’s simple pleasures, like dancing in the rain, picking fresh oranges off trees and making ginger bread houses (I know how much you loved Christmas, lol!).

And I’m so glad you found such an amazing community with Echelon … I remember you telling me about all of the incredible friendships you formed and how they sent you the new bike as a gift. You were so lit up and touched.

Mira, I miss you. I love you. I think I’ll go back and listen to “Living My Best Life” videos on your Facebook page over and over again, just to be reminded of your soothing, powerful, beautiful voice.

If you knew Mira, you know what I mean about her voice - it was that of an angel and will live on in my heart forever.