Lasting_Glow

A Lasting Glow Remember how we used to be' We used to laugh and joke around. I really did not want you to go. Priscilla and I were sitting on the benches in the loud and busy streets of Downtown San Francisco when I visited her in the summer of June 2008. We were having foot long hotdogs and frosty soda talking about our lives, families and our future. Then, the subject of death came up. Priscilla was diagnosed with breast cancer and has been strongly battling this disease for about four painful years. She has been through chemotherapies; she was in and out of the hospital, but remained hopeful and strong about her condition. As Priscilla normally did, she joked about her own mortality. She said something that will linger in my mind for a very long time. Priscilla said, “You know Jen, I probably won’t make it much longer. I’ve lived too much and too hard. Too many tears and sleeplessness nights. I’m just going to shut down!” We stared at each other and we both smiled and started to giggle a bit, not really believing what she said. I continued to see her as much as I could. Every chance I get on a holiday is spent with Priscilla. A few months later, in the cold winter month of December 2008, Priscilla was gone. My very dear friend passed away of breast cancer. There are only a handful of people who come into your world, and touch your life. Some of the people are just flickers of light during a long life, while others are lasting glows for years. For me, Priscilla was my lasting glow. She was my best friend for close to thirty wonderful years. I have friends growing up, but Priscilla was my dearest precious friend. We went to high school together. We shared everything from clothes to gossips and secrets. We went to parties together and had the craziest times of our lives. I remember feeling so comfortable around her. I never experienced that before with my other friends. I felt like I could tell her everything. For the first time there was a lasting figure in my life, which I could turn to for friendship and support. That friendship and support continued for thirty years. We both got married and raised our own families. I was the godmother of her lovely daughter, who was her only child, and she was the godmother of my youngest son. Priscilla and I shared a lot of amazing times together and I will never forget them. I can honestly say that there are only a few who have walked into my life and changed it forever: my parents, my brother, my sisters, my children and Priscilla. Priscilla gave me the first chance to open up to someone. She was the first person I enjoyed spending time with. Priscilla was my best friend. She taught me that life is short, and the most important are the people in it. Being strong, having courage, and never ending hope are just a few of the many things Priscilla has taught me. I will always be grateful for her thoughts. Priscilla, laugh like you always have. Think of me and pray for me my dear friend. You have shown me the sacredness of life. Life means all that it ever meant. There is absolutely endless connection. Our bond will forever last. I will always speak to you and laugh with you. You will always be in my heart.