It's been 7 years since I left the sunny beaches;  But, I brought with me lovely stories and memories of that life. One was my fun times with Sharon. As I mentioned she is always with me looking over me with her last gift but our funny times together also make me smile throughout the days, and years. For example, she taught me to like small fedoras and wear them in style.

When you have a strong bond as we did it never diminishes with death....the memories carry me through my years with laughter.

Cec

Choi is always with me as each day I pass her last gift to me sitting on a stand near my living room. She embroidered a good fortune sign in a shadow box. She makes me smile and I still think of our good times and silly times as well as our bad times. She was a true gift to me.

I've never told this story before (it's SO embarrassing!) -

I first met Sharon almost 10 years ago at Adolfo and Sarah's 4th of July Birthday BBQ.  I was there with my boyfriend and Sharon was sitting with him on the stoop.  I had never seen this girl before and of course my insecurities kicked in.   "Hi, who are you?" I asked.  It was Sharon and I did not like her.  Not for any other reason than the fact that she was talking to my boyfriend on the stoop…LOL!  By the end of the evening I was thoroughly embarrassed because anyone who knows Sharon knows that she is the nicest and sweetest person that you'll ever meet.  Who knew that I would grow to love her so much?

I've had the pleasure of becoming friends with Sharon over the past 2 years when she moved up to NY.  Although she did not say much Sharon always cracked me up – I think we cracked each other up!! She had a jovial spirit, even when Adolfo was making fun her.  They teased each other mercilessly.

This past Christmas Sharon bought me a cookbook.  I could tell it was a cookbook prior to opening it because of the wrapping and I just knew it was a Barefoot Contessa cookbook, my favorite chef.  Instead it was a book by the owners of the restaurant group Momofuku.  At first glance I was confused.  Why would she buy this for me?  All of the recipes were SO DIFFICULT and had 1,000 ingredients.  “Sharon, you think I am much better than I really am!”  But as I really read and dove into the book I became touched by her thoughtfulness because all of the recipes were Korean American recipes and thanks to the Choi family, everyone knows that I love Korean food.  Sharon was sharing her heritage with me in a way that I could love and embrace it.   It was actually the perfect gift from Sharon, caring and thoughtful like she was.   

This weekend we were at Sarah’s house and I gotta tell you, you were truly missed.  We didn’t want to talk about it because we are all mourning you and together we work hard to keep our spirits up.  But every so often I would catch myself turning my head to see where you were.  “Where’s Sharon, what is she doing and when is she coming over?” 

It’s amazing the ways in which people touch your life.  I’ve known other people longer but when Sharon came to NY she was instant family.  Whenever I saw her she would always ask about Mom and that always touched me because she was so sincere and I knew that really cared.  It feels like a whirlwind – Sharon moved to NY, loved us and we loved her back.  

I’m thankful for the time we spent together.  I wish it was longer.  I don’t know why God took you from us but I know without a doubt that you are shining your spirit in Heaven, in God’s Kingdom, among all of the angels.  Say “Hi” to my Poppy, I prayed and asked him to come and greet you.  And I can’t wait to see you again!

I love you and miss you.

Tamara