Monday, January 21, 2008

Tribute

My dear friend Blanca passed away this past Saturday the 19th of January. I happened to be in Riverside, California for my friend Laura's wedding and on the way to the chapel I got Caroline's text message saying she was in the PICU, intubated and probably not going to make it through the day. I was so sad and prayed that she could hold on until after the wedding so that I might be able to see her. My prayers were answered as Stanford and I raced the hour distance to the hospital. My heart just about broke when I walked into her room but was so grateful for the chance I had to stand at the head of her bed and express my love and admiration to her. She passed away just a few hours later. She fought a long and hard battle of Cystic Fibrosis and I got to know her well during her many inpatient stays during the four years I worked at Miller's. We used to play games together and talk about the challenges and blessings life brought. She struggled but she never gave up. She knew a lot about my religion and she used to tell me how awesome she thought it was that I believed and practiced the things I did. I used to joke with her and say, Ok Blanca, now don't do anything I wouldn't do...and she's laugh and say oh sara, you know that's not possible... :) She had her own ways of doing things and she took care of herself the best she could. She was an amazing girl and I will truly miss her. I feel peace knowing she is no longer in pain and that I will get to see her again someday. I love you Blancita!

Me, Blanca, and Caroline


Kandra, Mike, Caroline, Blanca, and Me


Me and Blanca

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3 comments:

  1. CarlyJanuary 22, 2008 at 8:19 AM

    Dear Sara--

    I was so sad when I heard from Tasha; I am so sorry. I am grateful, however, that you were in town and able to be there to say goodbye and give her your love one more time. I know the children you work with are so blessed to have you. This was a beautiful tribute.

    I love you,
    janegirl

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  2. TashaJanuary 22, 2008 at 9:25 AM

    This was neat to read Sara. I am grateful you got to see her one more time and her family too. I am sure they appreciated that as well. I love that you have so many neat pictures of her. You are such a great friend. We are all lucky to have you. I love you!

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  3. saraJanuary 23, 2008 at 10:10 PM

    Dearest Sara,

    I am glad we got to talk along the ride home about death. It's hard to see people die. I did not see a single close friend or family death until I was in my thirties. That's excluding my Grandparents (father's side) who died when I was too young to understand. Saying good-bye is important and I am glad you were able to say few last word of appreciation and love. I think that that is the most important part of letting people go. Perhaps, that is what I have learned from death, to always express love and appreciation.

    I really do love you.

    Sincerely, Husband

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