It Can't Be True

Ever lose contact with someone over time and find yourself wondering what they are doing now? That happened to me a couple weeks ago. I was curious what my old friend Danielle was doing. I tried looking on Facebook, LinkedIn, Pinterest even; but no luck. I could only assume she was in a theater group acting and performing like she loved to do so much. I pictured her hanging out downtown and uptown, visiting trendy restaurants and wearing the perfect outfit. This girl had it all...including an outgoing personality, great sense of humor, business skills. Now that I am thinking about, I still have a necklace and bracelet set that I bought from her when she started her jewelry line.

Today I received the shock of a lifetime. Danielle was dead. It saddens me to even write it, I feel like it is a lie. Danielle was in a car accident a few weeks ago and drowned in a pond while still in her car. I can't help but picture what her last moments must have been like. Life seems so unfair, why would such an amazing soul be taken so young? I can't help regret not trying harder to track her down. I still knew where her mom lived, I could have written a letter. I regret not reconnecting with her again. She was one of those people who you will remember always.

Danielle and I worked together for a number of years. Every Monday night we would order and devour a large Pizza Hut stuffed crust pepperoni pizza. Every Monday for years. We went on our first cruise together. We were giddy running around the ship - drinking too much, staying out too late, sleeping in too late, and seeing some amazing sights in the Caribbean. We laid out in the sun on rafts in her pool, I went to her theater performance in Anoka, hung out with her and her boyfriend at the time that we just happened to meet on the cruise. I remember being in London and emailing her. Danielle was a art major and really knew everything about fine art. I emailed her before walking through the Tate Modern and asked who I should look out for and make a mental note to really stop and reflect on. I remember her giving me a list of names of artists. Because I knew art was so important to her I bought a print of Manet's. It was beautiful and different at the same time. I wonder if she still had it all these years later.

She was so young to be gone already. It really makes me appreciate every moment I have as you never know when it may be your last. Bless her heart and her family. She was an amazing friend, amazing person and will be greatly missed. Until we meet again.