California Friend

Dearest Sheryl,

I’m sorry I couldn’t make it to Hawaii to celebrate the wonderful life you lived. I remember only having good times with you in your short time here in California. We were classmates, neighbors, and best of friends and hearing your loss, I really can’t find the words to express the way I feel but I know I can’t do anything about it, and looking at old pictures, gifts and replaying the fun times we had in my mind is all I have now.

Having so many talents, it wasn’t hard for you to make friends in school. Any time hearing the word “gymnastics” I always remembered you doing these amazing flips during our recess wishing myself that I could do them with you. I laugh remembering the time at my house, during summer, we were doing handstands in the grass while I asked my mom to take pictures of us, thinking I was doing them right I saw how you were perfectly straight up in the air while I was crook-ed.

The pictures I have of this day are looked at every morning and make me smile. I also remember one of the seasons of American Idol where they would show those people who couldn’t really sing and I would call you asking “did you see that girl?!?” and we’d both laugh and hang up then I’d call you again saying the same thing.

You were such a happy person and seeing what you have accomplished in your life makes me so proud because I know how hard you’ve worked to get this far. I first saw your videos of modeling and I was just saying to myself wow she’s even more beautiful now and so mature, I’m so happy for her. It’s amazing seeing you grow and being with mutual classmates we talk about you remembering times at school and it makes me miss you more.

I can also honestly say you were a really good friend to not just me but everyone because although I admit I had lost touch with you in the past certain years, when you came into town you made an effort to still come visit me. I never thought of you moving back to Hawaii, as a goodbye and not even now.

They say when you lose someone, it’s a “see you later” and I really do see it like that. I can’t wait to be with you and all the angels up there in heaven because we have years of catching up to do. I truly miss you Sheryl, and it’s not a surprise to know you meant so much to everyone and me as well. Continue to watch over your loved ones, forever missed and never forgotten, I’ll see you soon love.

- Nikki Reyes