COMMEMORATE

1) to serve as a memorial or reminder of 
2) to honor the memory of by some observance

This year is the five year mark that I have been without my best friend.

On October 9th, 2007, my world turned upside down:
“I never could have imagined that I would be writing something like this. I never could have imagined that I would loose one of my best friends so young. I am sitting here honestly without words.  How do I thank you for pushing me to always challenge myself and loving me for who I am?

Last time I had to deal with a death close to me, you were the one who got me through. You helped me see and appreciate why things happen. Now, I replay the words you said to me to help me get through your death… 

Bawny, we went through a lot together. You were the friend I learned about life with. We questioned things and tested our limits. You helped me grow and truly pursue my dreams. You always supported me. You always had faith in me. Even though I have told you thank you…It will NEVER be enough. You consistently inspired me, you were so vibrant and curious. We had such an amazing friendship, and one that will never be forgotten. We could go without seeing each other for awhile and pick up right where we left off. There is no way I could ever mention all of our memories and good times, they will forever be in my heart. We used to laugh until we cried…and yet now tears are all I can find. You are in the arms of an angel, and I will always love you Bawny Brook.”
 

Five years later, and I can tell you losing your best friend never gets easier. No passage of time allows you to outgrow the trauma of writing your best friend’s eulogy from 2,300 miles away in your dorm room during your freshman year of college, especially when you know no words can adequately describe the life that she had and the aura and vitality she held.

Five years later, and I can tell you that more than anything I want to my part so others do not have to experience a tragedy like this in their own life. How does one muster up the right words to thank their best friend for all the laughs, smiles, and pick me ups? Once she is gone you can’t…  So I will walk in her honor. 

Please join me (and all of Team Bawny) on Saturday, October 13th at the annual Mothers Against Drunk Drivers Walk Like MADD 5k event. Joining together in her honor and sharing beautiful memories of her is one of the best ways I have found to commemorate her life. I would absolutely love for you to join my team and help show the power in numbers. If you cannot be there to walk, I would invite you to make a donation to this worthy cause. Either option can be done here: click here! (Or simply follow the link to learn more about all that MADD does.)

Bawny, to this day I am thankful to the angels who lead you in. 

Alis grave nil. 

Please join with me as I…

commemorate.