This week began with a very bad start with the news of the
sudden passing of one of my friends, Zandi. The week seemed surreal
as the entire campus (students, faculty and staff) grieved the loss
of such an amazing and positive person. Walking into Janse Hall and
seeing the outpouring of love people shared on a huge poster of her
that her boyfriend made was so inspiring and touching. It started
to feel more real after reading all the messages from people that
were very close to her to people that had the chance to witness her
beautiful smile while passing in the hallways.
Friends of Zandi
It was very refreshing and touching to see the outpouring of
love from the faculty and staff that also felt the loss but also
knew the loss the students were feeling. Everyone was unbelievably
understanding, which can demonstrate the camaraderie we share on
the campus. Among all the hustle and bustle of studying and
worrying about clinic numbers, a large number of people attended
Zandi's memorial service on our campus. The program that her close
friends put together was so beautiful and couldn't have been more
perfect. We all felt Zandi watching down on us with that big smile
on her face. After the program, individuals had the opportunity to
pay personal tribute to her with funny and touching memories of why
they loved Zandi so much! It definitely made me contemplate what
people would say at my memorial!
One of my memories actually relates to this blog. Zandi and I
emailed me prior to her attending NUHS with questions about campus
life to Chicago life. Well, one day I was walking on campus and I
see this woman approaching me with open arms. I was a bit petrified
as I looked around and realized that she was running towards me and
no one else was around me! I braced myself as she embraced me with
the best and most genuine hug ever. Then she said, "Hi Miravone!
I'm Zandi!" (ha ha) We both started laughing as I explained that
although she knew what I looked like from all my pictures, I had no
idea what she looked like! :)
As we celebrated her life and mourned her death, I still
attended clinic and had patients to care for. It was a rough lesson
to learn--moving forward no matter what.
Ryan's surprise birthday party.
On Sunday, the day of Zandi's funeral in Raleigh, N.C., I threw
my husband a surprise birthday party, celebrating his life. It was
bittersweet to realize that Zandi was being put to rest while we
were having family and friends over for a get-together celebrating
another year of Ryan's life, but it was the best therapy I
received.
Ryan was completely surprised and so appreciative of everything
that was done behind the scenes for the past two weeks for him. It
was definitely what I needed this week as well. I was able to
grieve over everything at the beginning of the week and then
celebrate life at the end the week. It was the best medicine I
could take. I hope everyone has a great week and remember to
celebrate life every day!
Blissor: Life! All my complaints, problems, blissors, etc. are
all worth it because I get to live! :) I need to work towards
leaving an amazing legacy like Zandi did.