She was my closest friend in high school. We met at the start of our junior year and were inseparable for the next two. Together we navigated the highs and lows of growing up. We endlessly discussed school and church activities, first jobs, and boys. We double-dated with the men that would soon become our husbands. On weekends we cleaned each other’s rooms and hung out at the mall telling each other how to do their makeup and what they should wear. Many of our “firsts” happened within days of each other as we constantly compared notes and rushed to share our secrets.

Contact diminished markedly after high school as we each took off in different directions. We saw each other on the rare occasions that we were passing through each other’s states and at high school reunions. When we did meet there was always instant rapport and we fell into easy conversation as if no time had passed.

I loved her and can hardly believe she’s gone; the world was a richer place when she was in it.

C/o1971
May God bring you peaceful blessings. Her sweet smile and gentle soul will always be remembered. Ram Down