She was born on May, 8th 1993. Though I could not say much about her childhood, but as close friend, I knew that she was generous, dependable and down to earth. Her brilliant smile could cheer you up. When you had a bad day you could always tell her your worries and she would comfort you. She got along with everyone and never had trouble making friends. She never complained much about anything and was steadfast in her ways. She was the definition of a tough woman. Stubborn at times, yet independent. She had a very bright and promising future.
I knew her during the first grade. Various circumstances took me to another school and I would not meet her again until 7th grade. I knew her from then until a few days ago, when tragedy struck and it took her away from me again. I knew for almost 10 years. I'll be honest and say those 10 years really meant a lot to me. Though they weren't always happy times, they were times that I will cherish forever. I try to leave personal feelings out as much as I can but I cannot bear the fact that a friend I've known for so long was just suddenly gone. I can't help but look at her Facebook page and old photos. I couldn't believe she was alive a few days ago. I remember her last interaction with me was liking one of the Instagram photos I posted. Her last text message to me was for me to teach her how to make chicken soup from scratch because she had a very bad cold.
I really had a crush on her. It was on and off but she was the only girl I've had crush on for so long. I told her my feelings and got rejected. She wanted to stay friends but I couldn't take the hint. I would back off for a while but those feelings never died. I would tell her this many times, yet every time, I was rejected. Eventually I became resentful. I was jealous of all the other guys that she had a close relationship with. Looking back I feel very petty and not very manly at all. I was childish and could not see our relationship for what it was. I took our friendship for granted and I will have to live with that fact for the rest of my life. But now I can never convey my feelings to her again. She will no longer be there to hear my complaints or make jokes about things that we enjoy. We can never again cook together and enjoy our creations. I really did love her, and always will.
On the day of her passing, many of us got an Illini alert saying there was an accident and some roads were closed. Many of us gave no second thought and went on the day like usual. But little did we know the awful turn of events that transpired that day while we were obliviously engrossed in our daily tasks. I even remember talking to another friend and she mentioned someone passed away. I didn't give it much thought except for that hopefully it wasn't someone I knew. After hearing the news later that night, I was devastated. My roommates and I were quiet for a whole hour. We were at an absolute loss for words.
Parents should never have to bury their children. Later that night, I met up with Mimi's parents and I could tell Mrs. Liu had been crying. Her eyes were swollen red, yet she did not cry at that moment. Mimi's little sister Annie also did not shed tears. Mr. Liu spoke in a calm voice and told us he would let us know of their plans. I thought to myself, "Wow, these are the strongest people I've ever met". They maintained their composure even through such a tragic time. But I could not imagine the pain, anguish, regret and sorrow they must have felt. For their worst nightmare to become reality. How could their baby girl that they have painstakingly raised, taught, and sent to school, be taken away from them so suddenly? How will Annie feel now that her sister is gone forever? The tears her family shed would be so immense and filled with sorrow that we would not comprehend until one of our own family members have passed away.
What I miss the most about Mimi would be her smile. The warmth of her embrace. Her playfulness. Her long flowing hair and the sweetness of her fragrance. The time we spent together. Now that she is gone, it's as if a part of my life just vanished, never to return. It's a void that can never be filled, for she was an irreplaceable friend. Many of us probably have the same feelings. We all regret not being able to say our last goodbyes. But I could not imagine what Mimi had thought in her final moments. All her plans, aspirations, dreams, cut short. She was alone in her last moments and that is the saddest part of all. I hope her passing was instant and painless, as gut wrenching and horrible as it is to say. And I hope she knows that she is still surrounded by many caring and loving friends and her family.
As the D12 song goes :
They say the good die young,
That's why I think that you should have fun (when you're young)
Cos time won't wait for no one (uh huh)
When god calls, you gotta go home (go home)
They say the good die young, (die young)
That's why I know that we go' have fun,
In this life cos you only get one
When God calls for me, don't cry I just went home
Not only is this a day to mourn, but it is a day to commemorate what Mimi stood for, a day to celebrate her life and her many accomplishments. We need to remember her spirit and what she stood for. We need to carry on her ideals because now she lives through us and our memories of her. And she will stay in our hearts forever.
Rest in Peace Mimi,
You were known by many, but loved by all.
No comments:
Post a Comment