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.
After one of my best friends from high school passed away from a long battle of cancer, I decided to make a blog about things I wish I could have said to her before she passed. She was such a great person inside and out, and I am grateful for getting to know her the way I did. I loved her so much while she was alive and even more so now that she's found peace. I can only wish she's smiling down on us all, and hope we'll all be joined together one day. Rest in love TJQB.
Wednesday, February 13, 2019
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.
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...
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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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...❤️❤️❤️
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.
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.
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.
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.
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