Letter of Gratitude

We may have met in 2006, but I felt like I've known you for a lifetime.

Your energy and passion were nothing short of breathtaking. Your dedication and heart for those who were hurting were admirable. You were a hurting person who loved to help others despite your internal struggles. You had a heart for the broken despite being broken yourself.

From the moment I met you, I was drawn to you. Perhaps it's because we were both hurting people but we didn't know it yet. There are so many words to describe you, it's difficult to express them all.

Whenever you entered a room the energy and dynamic changed completely. You had the type of energy that if someone was upset, you could change their mood completely. You were a healer and helper by nature. If someone needed you, you were there, it didn't matter what time of day it was. You shared the love of Jesus whenever you could and to anyone you could without fear. You loved everyone and you treated everyone with respect and loved without boundaries or conditions.

You cared about the people in the background. I was one of those people. You had gone away for school, you were gone for a few years. We were never really close but we knew each other and talked in passing. Once you came back, you noticed that I wasn't at church. You ran into my dad and asked him about me. We then got together for coffee and you helped me get my relationship back with the Lord. You were so encouraging, and helpful, and you listened with empathy and compassion.

You loved fiercely and you were loyal to everyone. You never spoke badly about people. There are not enough words to describe your unconditional love, dedication, honesty, loyalty, and so much more to those around you. You have gone out of your way to help those in need, even those on the street with nothing. You have given the shirt off your back and that last bit of cash in your pocket to someone else. You never hesitated. Even at 3am in the morning, if someone needed you, you were there.

If only you were here now. It would be such a joy and an honour to see where life would have led you at this point in time. I grieve what could have been for you. I grieve knowing that there are people who never got the chance to meet such a pure and genuine person. I think of my husband, who I think you would have loved and got along with. My oh my, you two would have been a great duo together in singing. You both have a heart for the Lord and for singing. In many ways, you and he are similar, there are many reasons I chose him to be my husband. I believe he was sent to me at the best time, to help me through the loss of you.

I celebrate knowing that there were so many people whose lives were touched and even changed just by your existence, just by you being the best version of yourself for others in the midst of your own struggles. Your voice has reached thousands of people. You showed compassion, empathy, forgiveness, grace, and love wherever you were.

You were always so real and so raw. You spoke your mind and didn't care what people thought of you. You lived life free and without limits. You encouraged people to be the most real versions of themselves, mess and all. You would talk with people through their struggles. I know you did that for me so many times, even until 4am or 5am, those are the best memories.

You left this world on March 9, 2018, after losing your battle with mental illness. You left the biggest imprint on so many people's hearts and left a hole in their heart all at the same time.

Your life may have been short, but the impact you left on people's lives that you came in contact with, will last a lifetime.

Until we meet again my friend, thank you for changing my life in more ways than one. I miss you and love you long time.