Sometimes there are lights that never go out. I’ve witnessed some….and you are one.
I remember our first “meeting”. It was in the hallway at work. We were walking past each other and you stopped dead in your tracks and said – “I think I know you!”. I paused and looked at you and asked where from. “I think we are neighbors”, you said. I took a closer look and mentally separated myself from my work environment. I saw you across the street from me in your yard. Well, I’ll be damned! Sure as shit – you lived right across the street!
We became fast friends. In both work life and personal life.
I remember that time that you were working on that house out East. Up on the ladder conquering the beast of a project you had at hand….in your true nature. As you came down off that ladder the paint can dumped all over you. I would have bitched like a little school girl had it been me, but you just laughed and lifted your hands up like….”oh well”. I snapped a picture and I smile at your grace in that moment every time it comes up in my Facebook memories.
We sat on the roof in that neighborhood and watched fireworks. Enjoying the company of good friends and seeing something pretty in the moment. A memory never forgotten.
At work, I helped train you in one position….not to know that you would surpass me and train me in my next one. And, damn, you certainly knew how to train me! There was not a challenge put in front of you in that time that you could not overcome. Such a determined, intelligent, loving, friendly, caring person. I don’t know that I’ve ever seen a heart so big or a mind so focused.
The years passed; the friendship grew. So many laughs and deep conversations that were only shared between us. You were a confidante to me as I was to you. You taught me so much and I don’t think you ever realized that you did. But, I did. And I appreciate every word, every insight, every thought and opinion that you have provided. It is a friendship that will NEVER die, whether you are here with us anymore or not.
The last few years have been hard. I will not begin to pretend that I understand what you were going through, because I don’t. I want to, but I just can’t. That does not change the fact that I love you unconditionally. YOU, dear, ARE a light. A light that can NEVER die because it shined so brightly and beautifully on anyone you ever encountered. I will never refer to that light in the past tense. You left your mark….a very powerful one. It cannot be erased. You are forever in my heart, dear friend. I love you.
Rest easy, Kyndi Joy. You’ve found peace.
Your forever friend ❤