Rule #1: Life Is Short

Winter came early this week for one of the loveliest flowers that the sun has ever been gifted enough to shine on. Her name is Katie and for many years in my youth she was one of the best friends I ever had. Her spunk and silliness was unparalleled and she was always the girl I wanted in my corner if life got rough. Many mornings we carpooled together and got what most people get out of their morning Starbucks simply from listening to Britney Spears. It is because of this relationship that I am the way I am today.
Katie often made sure that she was heard and when requesting advice from her I knew that it would come from her heart and be well plotted out before it came out of the mouth that was so often formed into a huge smile. This week, even when Katie wasn’t able to give me answers to all of the questions I had for her she still taught me a lot. I know that the lessons below are just the beginning of what she had to say, because when someone passes that young and fights so hard they had more to teach than we will ever know.

• Life is short and very fragile.
• Life is not fair. At all. Ever.
• You always have far more fight in you than anyone gives you credit for.
• The space in between an old friends arms’ is an incredible place to let tears fall. (Thank you in advance for all of the shirt sleeves that will absorb my tears in the week to come. And thank you very much for those who have sleeves that my tears have already dried on.)
• Even when you think you have nothing left to give, you can keep fighting.
• Forgiveness is important.
• Even if you think it matters, most of the time it doesn’t. At all. Gratitude and enjoyment are the only things that do matter.
• The Universe is unfolding exactly as it should. Even if you don’t know it yet. Even if you don’t agree with it.

Katie, you will be on my mind for many many months to come. I am so sorry that you had to go so young. You were a beautiful spirit and you are missed.  Rest in peace sweet girl.

I think most of all, I have been humbled by the random acts of, well kindness isn't even the right word. This last week, I have seen more graciousness than I have in my entire life. From people who don't, or barely, know me. This side, the very best side, of humanity is a life-changing thing to see. I hope to be the kind of person who deserves such thoughtful, mind-boggling generosity. ~Katie Reve Kalmer (March 10, 2011)