Paul
A thousand years ago, (or was it perhaps something more like 45 years ago?) then teenaged Debbie was the object of my affection as her secret admirer. Too shy was I to say hi to perhaps forge a high school friendship. Then 44 years went by in the span of a minute. No explanation as to why she popped into my mind one day last summer, all these years later. So I took to Mr. Google and located her! I sent an email: "You don't know me however, I wish to tell you I had THEE most insane crush on you a thousand years ago..." and so began and all to brief sixth month Internet friendship, as we exchanged frequent emails, one after another after another, with me consoling her through her months of grief over her mother's recent passing, neither of us having a clue that her own time on Earth was drawing to a close oh too soon. I was thrilled beyond all blessings to have had the opportunity to meet Debbie face-to-face for a lunch date the day before Thanksgiving, just two months before her unexpected passing. As I walked into the restaurant, I immediately saw her: there she was, that smile - 17 again.
Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her. May she rest in peace, amen.
