Donna

I lost one of my best friends yesterday to cancer. I really can't believe it still. It doesn't seem real and it is much more painful than I thought it would be.
 
I met Donna twelve years ago, through eBay of all places. I bought an item from her and we exchanged pleasantries, hit it off, and eventually ended up working together for the next decade. But it was much more than work that kept us bonded. We talked almost every day since 1999 via email, since we lived more than 2,500 miles apart. She loved my family and I love hers. Donna was nearly 25 years my senior, but you would never have known it the way we related to each other in so many aspects of life. Although we never met in person, I feel like I know her as if she were my next door neighbor, after talking on the phone and after writing more emails to her than anyone else I have ever corresponded with.
 
She was just a daily part of my life and I can't believe she is gone.
 
She had beaten cancer already, but it came back. She was strong and determined to the end. She was funny and witty; and kept an amazingly positive attitude throughout. Sadly, an excruciating battle this time around ended yesterday.
 
Donna taught me so many lessons that I hardly know where to begin.

She taught me the beauty of benevolence.

She taught me the importance of hard work.

She taught me that nothing is more important than appreciating the time you spend with your family... nothing.

She taught me strength and perseverance.

She taught me to enjoy time with your spouse and the importance of loving each other.

She taught me to appreciate the little things.

She taught me how important a little note of love and thoughtfulness can be.

She taught me how to be a better friend.

Things just won't be the same without seeing her name in my mailbox. Without her notes and updates; her jokes and her love. I don't think I ever realized how hard it would be until now that it's a reality.

I am so grateful that I got to have her in my life. I loved her so much and I will miss her more than I know how to put into words. I will just really, really miss her.