Saturday, March 23, 2019

03/15/2019

Dear Tiffany,
   Ever since you passed, I've been hurt reading people's tweets about how you visited them in their dreams and I wondered why you hadn't came to see me yet. Was I really not that important to you anymore? I smelt you a couple times at Nestor's house which is something I can't get over. I didn't even get to mark you with the vanilla scent at your funeral and yet that is your exact smell when you come by. I'm grateful that you do come by often, but I wish I actually saw you, so I can talk to you. It's so crazy, but I had super long dream today. I'll try to explain it as best as I can:
   When I woke up, it took me a while to process if that really happened. I didn't even realize you had popped up in my dream, but when it hit me, I was like "Woah wait. Did you really visit me?" I rarely remember dreams these days, so when I do, I like to decipher the meaning of them. The biggest thing I figured out was that you tend to show up in people's dreams while they're crying. I couldn't quite understand why I saw your "ghost" in my dream and why I was the only one who could see you, but I was glad I did. I'm happy I got to see you alive and well even if it was for a few minutes. If I could see you spiritually, I hope that's how you look like roaming around. You were the prettiest then, and you still are now. I miss you. Come visit again soon okay? 

02/09/2019

Dear Tiffany,
   Happy 23rd Birthday, you beautiful angel. It's been years since I've wished you a happy birthday, but I think it's long overdue. The first thing that came to my head this morning was how often we'd joke about our age. You'd always say "Your birthday is so sad. You're so young!" and I'd argue back with "It's a good thing you're older cause it means you'll die first!" It was supposed to be a joke back then, but I can't stop replaying it in my head because of how real it is now. I can't believe I'm going to outlive you this soon in my life. This wasn't supposed to happen. Best friends are NOT supposed to leave each other, Tiff.
   I'm so sad I couldn't make it to your funeral today, but my sister has her speech festival at Aliamanu Middle School and I couldn't miss it! I'm worried that you're buried far into Valley of the Temples, and I'll never be able to find your site. That's why I'm having Shan help me pinpoint where you are. To help me feel like I wasn't missing out on too much, I brought your funeral program along as I walked around the school where you and I first met.
   Wanna know something funny? At the same time the speech festival finished, Shan texted me saying your funeral was done and everyone was heading to Kaneohe now. My family and I were heading home going up the hill towards Tesoro, when I looked to my right and noticed a black truck with a huge "M" sticker from a distance. In my head, I thought "There's no way that's who I think it is." As we got closer, but still behind, within the letter "M," there were more letters "JANF" and I was still in denial. Once we pulled up next to them at a stop light, there was my ex with his mom, and I couldn't help but laugh. Besides yesterday, I hadn't seen him in so long, that I almost forgot how he looked like up close.
   I spent the next few hours watching everyone's Snapchat or Instagram stories paying close attention to the location of your burial site. It looked familiar...like near my grandpa's site. I didn't want to believe it, so when I asked Shan again, she drew me a little map showing where you were-- in the area near the white chapel on the hill. I thought it was too good to be true because this whole time I was sulking in how I'd never be able to find you, and you were little right THERE for the rest of my life.
   While I was at the school earlier today, I began recording a vlog just like you did back in our last day of school and freshmen year as well. I didn't start putting an actual YouTube video together until tonight, and I finished it. I added a song at the end that I think you'd like. I even made a small little tribute to you because of today's special occasion. Funny story, last week, I was playing the JYP Superstar game and one of the daily challenge songs was GOT7's "Take Me To You." The beat sounded nice so I saved it onto my phone. While making this video, I finally looked up the english translation and fell in love with the song even more. The song says that no matter how lost the person feels there's always that one person who they look for hope in as a means to keep them going; hence the title "Take Me To You." Since you liked Mark from GOT7, and since I love this song, I felt it was fitting to use it as a means to pay tribute to you.
   Isn't it ironic how February 9th was the day the world first saw you and now February 9th is the last day the world will see you. I know our last conversation ended on a super great note, but I wish we had more time patch up our friendship. I miss our laughs, our inside jokes, and most importantly I miss you. Until we meet again, my friend. Enjoy this video I made just for you my beautiful angel. I love you always.

Wednesday, February 13, 2019

02/08/2019

Dear Tiffany,

   I've been having small anxiety attacks in the days leading up to today because I just want it to be over. I haven't been able to sleep well either because I'm curious about you're going to look like, what I'm going to say, who I'm going to run into, etc. What did we call them? Mental breakdowns? Yeah, that's what's been happening to me lately. I've been heavily relying on Nestor and Cj because they're the only two guys I can truly depend on with my feelings right now, and they've been doing a great job keeping me sane which you and I both know is very hard to do! Before I left the house, I wrote a little note to sneak into your coffin since today was the only day I was going to see before you get buried. I even sprayed it with the Victoria Secret vanilla perfume that you said smells like "death" because it was the only thing that reminded me of you.
   Once I got to the Makai Chapel, I was surprised by your pictures out in the front. I sent in quite a lot of pictures to your sister to use for your posters/slideshow, and I was semi-happy to know she included me in many of them. I didn't expect to be recognized much especially after...you know. I stood outside with my family, Nestor, and Jomarie as we watched the slideshow in which Danika was happy to announce she saw me in there also. Again, something I didn't expect to be in, but was glad I was recognized. While waiting for your sister to finish her eulogy, Jomarie leaned over and asked "So were you and Tiffany close?" A pit in my stomach began forming when I said "Yeah...we were best friends for a really long time." I really couldn't believe it was actually your funeral. I dreaded this day all January because it was so unreal for me. It would probably hit me once I see your body.
   When the service finally ended, there was a very long line to see your body and my mom wanted to wait in that very long line instead of waiting for it to go down. Nestor, Jomarie, and Cj sat in the very back of the chapel while I stood in line. Today was the very first time Nestor met Cj, and I was really happy to see those two connect mainly because aside from JRS, Cj is the only friend I have now. The whole time in line, Nika kept asking me if I was gonna cry, and I kept repeating "No, because I don't show weakness in front of my enemies." I grew more and more nervous the closer I got until I was actually next to you. Everything was white; your casket, your clothes, even the veil. I was doing so good holding in my tears until it was time to walk away and I said "I love you Tiff," where I felt a tear come out of my eyes.
   The first person standing nearest to your coffin was your mom, and even though she may not have remembered me (since I haven't been around since senior year), she gave me the longest and tightest hug. It was then when more tears ran down my face. Next was your sister, and for someone who's been holding it all together, she was doing a great job at doing just that. There were no tears left for her. Last was your dad. He hugged me the tightest, and greeted me with a "Hello Rianna." Though he was trying to hold in his emotions, I could tell how hurt he felt to have bury his daughter. I cried even harder because I could relate. What if my dad had to bury me one day instead of it being the other way around? Tiff, you were really loved especially by your dad. He'd want you to know that.
   I hugged your uncles and walked away to meet Nestor in the back while my family headed straight for the food. My mom, being the supernatural one said you weren't there that night, but I'm sure you were going to show up the next day. Shantelle hugged me when she saw me crying and was the only person to reassure me until I threw myself back together three seconds later. Then we all headed on the opposite side to talk story outside of the chapel. Many old friends ignored me which I kind of expected and Nestor even said my ex was sitting on the opposite side of the room trying not to look at me. I didn't really care though because I was there for you and only you. This was my last goodbye. I love you so much Tiffany. I wish I could see you tomorrow.





02/04/2019

Dear Tiffany,

   Your sister actually texted me today which caught me off guard. She asked if I knew where to get pictures of you when you were drum major. You know me, always willing to help out when asked, I went out of my way to get them for her. I used my connections and I know she got it. It felt good to be needed/wanted again. That moment didn't last long though because when I asked your sister how funeral preparations were going, she didn't reply. Well, it was fun while it lasted though huh?
   There are four more days until that day, and I'm still struggling with my anxiety. I never knew how exhausting this was going to feel, but I'm still pushing through it for you. I can't wait until you're laid to rest. It's going be that huge step to healing, that's for sure. Well, I should wrap this up so I can do the homework I've been putting off for the last couple of weeks. I love you Tiff. See you soon.

02/03/2019

Dear Tiffany,

   I'm currently writing this at 11:00pm, but I can't sleep. I can't stop thinking about your funeral on Friday. My God...the amount of people who are going to be there, all in one room, and they all hate me. I don't know how I'm gonna get through it, but I will do whatever it takes for you. I feel so emotional knowing how hard it'll be seeing you in that coffin. I really hate imagining it, but I have to mentally prepare myself somehow. I laugh because you always hated my pessimism too! Well, I hope you're ready to see us all together again soon. I really hate how this is the event that brings us together. Good news is I won't have to see these people ever again after this. I can finally rid myself of all the negativity they carry with them, and it's sad that I once saw you as one of them as well, but I really do forgive you now. I just wish they accepted me back then...

01/31/2019

Dear Tiffany,

   It's been one whole month without you and I have never felt so alone. I still have so many emotions kept inside me because I'm not close with anyone anymore. I tried reaching out to Jecie and even Vivian, but I always get zero responses. I even tried seeing your family today, but that plan fell through. I'm so sad because everyone I thought were my friends are no longer in my life. You were the only person I wanted to keep in touch with, but you're not here anymore. I really haven't been myself all January, and with your funeral right around the corner, I can't help but feel anxious and have mental breakdowns because I'm not ready to see everyone again. These people made my life so miserable, and you knew that better than anyone else because you read my blogs. How am I supposed to put on a brave face knowing I don't have you anymore? How Tiff?

01/24/2019

Dear Tiffany,

   Today your sister posted a link to your obituary and for some strange reason, it still didn't feel real. For a quick second, I thought and hoped it wasn't a real link, but when I looked it up, there you were. There was a small slideshow with three of your pictures with your name at the bottom in big, bold letters. "February 9, 1996 - December 31, 2018." I still couldn't believe it honestly. Such a beautiful person, who was loved by literally every single living thing, gone so soon.
   You were only 22 years old, and who ever thought I was actually going to beat you. Remember when you used to tease me about my birth date and yell out "I'm older!" and I would yell back, "Yeah, you're older which means you'll die first!" I didn't really think that would be so real and you'd be gone this soon. You've lived as 22 for ten months, and I know I just turned that age, but I'm going to spend the next ten months of my year doing things you couldn't. Just to keep some part of you alive. I promise.

01/21/2019

Dear Tiffany,

   After a long two years, I decided to make a Twitter again so I could see more of our lost tweets between us. I was actually surprised my old twitter name @_rkpdg was still available. I've been searching through your tweets just through safari, but now that I officially have an account again, I can see your profile more clearly. I'm just so sad you couldn't be alive to follow me back. Wow, we would've relived old times retweeting one another. I miss you.

Friday, February 8, 2019

01/18/2019

Dear Tiffany,

   Facebook memories make me so sad because it always reminds me of the friendship we used to have. Today marked the FIFTH year since our senior luau at the Polynesian Cultural Center. Remember when you, Murf, and I bought matching earrings and wore them that day? It was a silver heart with a bead at the bottom. Do you still have that? Because I do! I can still remember that day so clearly, and how badly I wanted to get away from Nielsen just so I could spend more time with you and everyone else. You were so lively trying to photo bomb everyone's pictures even the one where the girls were touching my stomach pretending like I was pregnant. Haha good times. We shared so many great stories, don't you think? I can't wait to tell my kids about the crazy things their mom and late Aunty Tiffany did together in high school. All my favorite/best moments from high school were with you. That's for sure. Well, I'll talk to you soon okay? I love and miss you dearly, my friend.

01/16/2019

Dear Tiffany,

   Today I went looking through your Twitter to find our old tweets together, and I never realized how many things you kept between us. There was a tweet about a memory from when you went to California with the band freshman year, and you got sick waiting around the park that Ms. Sherlock had to walk all the way back to the hotel. You were so upset at your immune system, but it was funny because you were so excited about being in a place I absolutely love-- DISNEY, and yet you weren't even able to enjoy it either. I'll never forget how long it took me to log into my Oovoo & Skype account so we could video chat, and when we finally got it to connect, you showed me all around your hotel room and the view of the park from your window. Wow. Can you believe it's already been two and a half weeks since you've passed? I miss you everyday.

01/12/2019

Dear Tiffany,

   It's been almost two weeks since you've passed, and it hasn't really gotten easier. I still think about you all the time. My heart aches so much for Nicah and your parents. It's one of those nights where I'm having regrets. I am so terribly sorry for not wanting to physically see you since our falling out. I should have made an effort to at least see you while you were able to talk so we could both reminisce about "back then" one last time. Now that you're gone, I have no one again... I'm alone. You were the only person I wanted to keep in touch with from my past because you were genuinely a good person who gave me so many great memories. Now I have no one to share them with.
   Sometimes I feel like I don't even deserve to mourn for you, and that I don't deserve to feel sad because we were growing apart anyway. But I feel everything, and I can't tell whether or not I'm depressed because I want to be out there to keep myself distracted, but I can't. We shared so many events that every single thing reminds me of you. I told Nestor so many times how I wish you and I had time to reconnect so we could form a strong friendship again.
   Sadly, we ran out of time but I hope you know now that I FORGIVE YOU. I never hated you, and I was never mad at you. I just had to distance myself from those surrounding you. I hope one day when we all meet you, I can tell you this in person, but for now, rest easy my friend. I love you so much Tiffany...❤️❤️❤️
 

01/01/2019

Dear Tiffany,

   When I got home from my party at almost 1:00am, Nestor met me at my house where I was finally able to cry my eyes out. Once I started, I just couldn't stop. I went through so many emotions within two hours, you'd probably roll your eyes at how bipolar I was acting. I went from being sad because of your passing, to being angry because of unfair and short your time on Earth was. I even shared a handful of memories to Nestor to explain how good of a person you were to me and everyone you came across. I admired your kindness, positivity, and ability to get along with so many people.
   Despite my feelings, I was actually happy. Happy to be one of the few who knew you the way I did. Happy because I got to share five wonderful years of being your best friend. Happy because you're no longer in pain. I would have done anything and everything for you if you asked me to. The thing I'll miss the most is how you were the last person...the last connection I had to one of my best memories of high school.
   I know you read my blogs and even reached out to me at one point asking why we drifted apart. I didn't thank you back then, but I should have. You were always so understanding and level-headed, and I appreciated how you took time out of your day to read about what I went through behind closed doors with and without you. Deep down I know you wanted to say "I'm sorry for my part in what happened between us," because I wanted to tell you I was sorry too. Sorry for cutting you off without a warning, sorry for what I said at the last marching competition back in 2015, sorry for purposely keeping my distance for the last three years.
   Believe me, I missed you too...so much. With everything I was going through mentally, physically, and emotionally with Nielsen, I needed a friend...I needed you. We were literally two peas in a pod, and I still can't believe the time for you to be taken from this world has come. There were so many things you still had to do, one being to graduate college. We knew how long it was taking for you and I, but I hope you're okay knowing that it's just me now. I hope you find peace on the other side. It's going to be a very long time until we are all united again, but I'll wait for that moment. The moment I get to see you again. I love you Tiffany. Take care of yourself up there.

!2/31/2018

Dear Tiffany,

   At about 10:30pm, Shan called me to tell me that you finally passed. My heart broke into a million pieces and I even felt it drop to my stomach at one point, but I couldn't cry because I'm at my annual family party to celebrate the New Year. After I hung up the call, I took a few minutes to hold back my tears before I called Nestor, Damian, Cj, and Kaimi to tell them the bad news then I sat there in silence. I can't believe this is happening. You can't really be gone, can you? We were just talking to each other three weeks ago. My heart is in so much pain because I haven't heard any updates about you since four days ago. The last thing I heard was that you were still fighting, but I guess your body couldn't take it anymore.
   I'm trying to remain positive especially since I'm out in public and I hate showing emotions, but I knew something was wrong. Nestor kept reassuring me that everything will be okay. He was actually hoping some of miracle would happen where your cancer and pain magically went away. I was secretly hoping for that too so I can see you again, but like I told you in the hospital, I understand if you want it all to stop because I've seen my grandpa live through the pain from cancer every single day without chemo for the last six months of his life. Do you remember that?
   We were only a few months into our senior year and though I wasn't too vocal about my personal life, you were the only one I vented to about my grandpa's situation. You were also the first person I told when he passed away because you and I were together that day. Sadly, three months after that, you were rushed to the hospital for your heart tumor and nothing was the same anymore. Still, you remained strong no matter what. I couldn't wait to see you again. I've been wanting to visit you in the hospital, but I didn't want to intrude and I didn't know if I was welcomed there honestly. Now I have no choice because you're actually gone.
   The news of your death hit all of us pretty quickly, and it ruined the rest of our 2018. I know you too well to know you would have wanted us to be happy because you hated to create such a problem for everyone, but we can't help it Tiff. Your passing is hitting us really hard...especially me. How am I supposed to move on knowing my best friend isn't here anymore? I lost you once, and I wasn't plan on losing you again. There are many memories we shared together that are now one-sided even though I wanted to rebuild our friendship so we can relive them again. Wow. This is a whole different pain in my chest that I don't quite know how to explain. One thing's for sure though, I miss you already, and I hope you enjoy the fireworks that are going to light up the sky for you. Happy Birthday to me right.
 

12/27/2019

Dear Tiffany,

   Today I woke up with a throbbing headache which I've had since I left the hospital yesterday. I thought it'd go away on its' own so I didn't take any meds, but when I finally did, my head was still hurting. I can just hear you now-- "You're so stubborn Ri. You're not gonna get better if you don't take medicine!" It's so funny because Nestor has been telling be the same exact thing since we've been together too.
   Well earlier today I heard you were actually awake. Your eyes opened and was actually able to nod your head to respond to people which was the best news I've heard since we last talked on Instagram honestly. I can only hope and pray you get better, and then I promise to come by more often. I'm really looking forward to coming by your house soon. I haven't been there in so long, and I kind of miss it. I mean do you remember how I was there literally every single day? The first thing I'd do once we got there was either lay on the couch or go straight to your refrigerator because you and your family made it super comfortable for me to be there! Wow. I really miss those times.   

Wednesday, January 16, 2019

12/26/2018

Dear Tiffany,

   At 12pm, Rayden called me during his lunch break to say Chrystanna called him and said you were on life support and have been for a few days now. My brother said "Chrystanna didn't know whether or not to tell you because she didn't know if you were close, but I told her that you guys were talking again. They said it looks like Tiff doesn't have much time, so I really thought you should know. You should go visit her now." I agreed to do just that and hung up the call. I immediately called Nestor crying. He was just waking up (who wakes up that late right?) so he was still out of it. I was crying so hard and had a hard time catching my breath that I kept repeating "Oh my God. I can't breathe."
   When I finally calmed down enough, I told Nestor what Rayden told me. He said he was going to catch a ride to my house so he could comfort me. Less than thirty minutes later, he was at my place while we sat in my car in the garage trying to figure out what to do. I was so desperate to see you, but I had no idea how to get to Queen's. We called multiple people to see if they could bring us, but when they were all busy, I decided to just suck it up and drive there. If today was going to be your last day, I just had to see you.
   At around 1:30pm, I had texted our best friend, Kaimi and told him the situation. As I expected, he was willing to drop everything just to comfort me and to see you. He was the one who got the hospital wing, floor, and room number for me too. Something I could have done this whole time if I wasn't such a wuss to see you before. I spent nearly another hour and a half getting ready and mentally preparing myself. I didn't know who was going to be at the hospital, and I really hated knowing I already had a few people in mind. Still, I wasn't going for them, I was going specifically for you.
   Thank God Nestor's neighbor was willing to drive us all the way over there. I didn't get to the hospital until almost 3pm, and I made the boys walk me to your floor because I knew I was going to get lost. Because I didn't know exactly who was in the waiting room, I told Nestor it was okay to roam the hospital. The first person I saw was Isagani who let me know aside from your aunties, your room was pretty much empty. I also saw your dad and waved hi before best friend came up behind me, and we followed your cousin Michael into your room.
   Kaimi and I stood outside for a few minutes trying to collect ourselves because we didn't know what to expect. Your nurse said we could either come in or go back out, we just couldn't stand by the door. Of course that process to come in was long enough, so we stepped into your room where we stood by the bathroom door. Janiene was standing next to your bed, your relatives were sitting by the window, and Michael had just finished talking to you. They signaled us to go up next, and I didn't hesitate one bit.
   When I saw you, your eyes were half open, yellow, and a bit puffed out. With a very festive Christmas beanie over your head and a tube coming out of your mouth, I was instantly taken back to seeing my grandpa (dad's dad) in the same position as you. You remember the stories I've told you, right? My grandpa was on life support too, and I remember the nurses telling my siblings and I that my grandpa was awake and he could hear us, but he just wouldn't be able to respond. So we were free to say what ever we needed to. That's the first thing that came in my head once I looked at you Tiff.
   I once again felt my heart drop to my stomach knowing this might be the very last time I see you. Still, I had hope you'd pull through like you always do and wanted to save my important words until you were up and running again. I rubbed the top of your head and told you "Hey Tiff, it's Ri. I brought Nestor and Kaimi with me, but it's just Kaimi in the room. I told Nestor to wait for me downstairs. I know I said I was going to visit you all these years, and I didn't do it until now. I'm so sorry it took me this long, but you have to fight okay?" I could feel tears rolling down my face, and I tried to wipe it before it got caught in the mask. Then I laughed saying "You know I hate showing my emotions, and here you are making me cry." Once I was as recovered as anyone could be in that moment, I continued with "You have to keep fighting Tiff, but I understand if you want to give up. You're in pain, and I understand if you want it to stop. So when you're ready to go home, come stop by my house first. My mom and I will be waiting for you. Take care of yourself okay. I love you."
   I stepped back near Kaimi and waited until he said what he needed to you. Your dad and sister came in shortly after, and I was surprised your dad remembered my name. I hugged him and apologized for not coming by the house in a while, then best friend and I left. When we walked back to the waiting room, aside from a few enemies (you already know who lol), I also saw Jordan, Chrystanna, and Malia and stopped to talk to them for a while before heading downstairs to the lobby with Kaimi to meet up with Nestor.
   Before I left the hospital, I felt at ease knowing I said as much as I could to you. Now all we could do was wait for you to either wake up or...you know. I accepted what ever decision YOU wanted to make, and was going to support you no matter what. During the car ride home, I called Cj and even Damian to let them know your position and then Rayden told me he was going to visit you after work. Nestor and I hoped for some kind of miracle to happen because I really wanted you to get better, though like I told you back in the hospital, I understood if you wanted to give up.

12/25/2018

Dear Tiffany,

   A few days has passed since you last posted anything on your social media accounts and now I'm starting to worry. I made a vow to myself to visit you at least once during winter break, and I'm sorry I haven't done it yet. I actually didn't expect to see you until after the holidays because my dumb butt has anxiety to drive all the way to Queen's Medical Center. I'll do it soon though, just to see you. I promise! I really do hope you're resting enough to be able to go home soon. I know how badly you wanted to go home before Christmas, and today's that day, but I'm pretty sure you're still in the hospital. It's okay, you'll get better, and then I'll be able to talk to you. I'm ready to tell you what I've been holding in for a while now. I'll see you soon, okay? I love you.

12/20/2018

Dear Tiffany,

   With two more days left until winter break, I decided to just take the rest of the week off because my mind is already on vacation mode. Yesterday, I read one of your tweets that said "I am literally tearing up because I feel so damn weak .. my fatigue level is so high I refused OT and will refuse PT..." and I couldn't help but feel for you. Then today you tweeted saying you were shaking super bad, felt faint, and were scared you were getting really sick. The last thing you ever tweeted was today at 10:35am saying you were about to eat Burger King to raise your blood sugar. I was happy you were able to still see the bright side of things, and expected another update tweet to come soon.
   I waited days once again, and then felt like something was wrong, but I didn't pursue it. I wanted to message you once more, but I knew you weren't going to reply anytime soon. I again wanted to wait until you posted, so I can reach out to you about how you were. My pessimism and gut gave me a bad feeling about you, but I still remained hopeful. I really wanted you talk to you. I couldn't wait any longer, but I still didn't know if you wanted to see me or not. So I waited.

12/17/2018

Dear Tiffany,

   Once again, I checked your Twitter yesterday as well as today just to make sure you were still alive and fighting, which you are, and I'm so proud of you! Keep up the good work, okay? I noticed you retweeted a lot about Philippines winning Miss Universe, and especially about Jonghyun's one-year death anniversary. I remember reading about his death last year and I automatically thought of you because he was your favorite member from Shinee.
   Do you remember how much I absolutely hated your love for kpop? You would talk about your boy groups all the time, and I just couldn't stand it! I even remember that one day you made me say all the Shinee members' names just for your own amusement. You complimented how well I was able to pronounce their names too, and I rolled my eyes while laughed. It wasn't until a few weeks before our falling out where I started getting into kpop, and I was scared to tell you because I knew you'd tease me about it. After all those years of me hating on you for liking them, here I was going against everything I stood for.
   On the day the world found out about Jonghyun's passing, the first thing I did was look at your Twitter where you were just as heartbroken like I expected. You loved him so much, it was like losing your family member, huh? I should have asked how you were coping with it. I saw all your posts and felt your pain, and I still did nothing to be there for you.
 


12/15/2018

Dear Tiffany,

   Today I checked your Twitter, like I usually do, and I saw you posted a YouTube video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U_l2hZ70Dp4&feature=youtu.be) about your walking progress. I'm not going to lie, I felt my heart drop down to my stomach. You looked so different from what I've seen in Instagram posts. You looked so very sick. You of all people know I lost a loved one to cancer because you were there for me on that day. I can still remember how he looked days prior to his passing, and I'm going to be honest with you-- you look like it's almost your time. I would never never tell you that to your face because for once in my life, I want to expect the best for you. I want you to LIVE.
   I have this strange feeling like it's almost your time. This might sound selfish, but I need you to fight, so I can see you one more time. I want to be there for you, and I want to make the time to see you, but I just can't call off work. I just started and it won't be a good look if I skipped a day. I promise to visit you once the kids go on winter break next week, or even better, I'll keep my vow of seeing you at your house like I said I'd do! You just have to get better, okay? I have some things to tell you, and it needs to be in person.  Please Tiff...please fight a little longer.

12/12/2018

Dear Tiffany,

   Thank God you finally replied back! I was in the middle of training for work but I made excuses for being on my phone. You'd hate it, but I told my boss I was talking to someone important, which you are to me. Basically, you told me a lot of your organs were failing and you had just began relearning how to walk again. You even said you thought it was your time to go. My heart shattered a little bit knowing this. I couldn't believe you were suffering this much and I was nowhere in sight. Regarding our current friendship status, I didn't know if you wanted me there or not, and I was too afraid to ask.
   I was happy when you told me your health was slowly getting better, and you hoped to get discharged before Christmas. I was rooting for that, so I can finally stop by your house before or on that day. I just wanted to see you again. Before the night ended, I messaged you a really long text on Instagram explaining everything I felt back on Thanksgiving about you. My God, I was so worried and scared you were going to pass without knowing how I truly felt about you. Though we never really apologized nor took each other back, when you replied saying "I can't simply let go of our friendship," I actually shed a tear. All I wanted was for us to be okay again. Maybe this was that big step into rekindling our friendship to get back to how we were before.
   I ended the message saying to let me know if you ever needed anything, and vowing to see you the next time you were home. You liked what I said, and I prayed that day could come sooner. I really wanted to see you.



11/23/2018

Dear Tiffany,

   Today, T posted in our old junior leadership Facebook group messenger wishing us a Happy Thanksgiving. No one I cared about said anything important, but your sister updated us that you were back in the hospital. I had a scary feeling all month that this time it was serious with you. I deleted my Twitter one year ago but I still checked up on you all the time. If you tweeted, it meant you were-- I hate to say this, but...alive.
   I know you recently went to the mainland to try and find another treatment for your condition. When you left and came back, that was one of the last times I asked you about your health. So when you didn't tweet for majority of November, I was getting worried about you. I wanted to rush down to the hospital so badly, but I had no idea how to figure out where you were. I didn't even know if I was welcome to stop by either, so I kept my distance. It wasn't until your sister notified us on Facebook when I was finally able to breathe. You were still here on this Earth. You hadn't gone anywhere, and I happily prayed to God for sparing you another day.
   Right when I found out what happened with you, I decided to wait a few days because I didn't know if you were awake to check your messages yet. I just started my new job as an A+ leader, but I still wanted to reach out to you just so I can ask if you were okay and what happened. Sometimes I'd wait hours until you replied, but other times I waited a full day or two until you replied back, but I understood it because you were still recovering. Still, I was willing to wait for you no matter how long it was going to take. I just wanted to talk to you to make sure you were okay like I always have.

@tjbas

   On December 31, 2018, one of my best friends from high school passed away from a long battle with cancer. She was such a positive light and energy to anyone she came across, and I feel extremely lucky to have known her the way I did. Something happened back in 2015 where I had to completely cut ties with her because of the people she hung around, but we recently began patching up our friendship right until the very end of her life.
   Though we had different personalities when we first met, I believe God put us together back then because...well, opposites attract. I was the rowdy, pessimistic, and daredevil one while she was very kept to herself and did a lot to stay out of trouble or get me out of trouble, for that matter. As we grew together, our bond became stronger. It's pretty safe to say that we were almost inseparable because there was never a day we weren't hanging out before, during, or after school.
   When she and I grew apart after that incident, knowing her condition, I still did whatever I could to make sure she was okay. I'd message her every now and then just asking about her health because I knew how she was constantly in and out of the hospital. People who know me also know that I'm genuinely not a bad person. I loved and cared for Tiffany so much that I put aside our issue to let her know that I still care, and I was going to be there whenever and wherever she needed me. I continued this vow until our very last talk with one another.
   My heart is still broken knowing my friend had so much more to live for. 22 years of life was too short. There were so many things I wish I could see her do with me, and with others. I'm left with all these memories, but no one to share it with. I just hope that wherever she is, she's no longer in pain and she's smiling down on every single one of us. It's going to be a very long time until we're all joined together once again, but until that day comes, I know she'll be waiting on the other side for us.

02/09/1996 - 12/31/2018
Rest in love you beautiful angel. ðŸ’™