Dear Shira,

I can hardly believe it's been a whole three years since the day you found your way out of this world and into another place. So much has happened since you've been gone, but I know you've seen it all. There are times when I can feel you cheering me on, lending your support, daring me to have just one more drink. I'm dating someone incredible now, an Air Force Reserves guy, you'd like his uniform. I'm not ashamed to say I take comfort in the fact that I know you'd approve of him. I still listen to Big River from time to time. And I did a production of Christmas Carol this year and it actually made me miss that INSANE production we did at TCC. My fondness for cheap sunglasses is still so strong. Our picture from the beach with Erin and Juliette is proudly displayed on my mirror in my bedroom. I look at it every day. A friend of mine spent spring break in Portland and hiked Multonomah Falls, all of her pictures brought back memories of us laughing our way up the hill and taking the most ridiculous photos in the psuedo-caves along the mountain side. One day I'm going to go back there and hike it again. And I want to go to the Japanese tea gardens too, one of my all time favorite photos of you and I is from that trip- sitting in the gardens.

You look divine. I look... oh so very young.

I miss you. Some times much more than others. And it seems to be less painful this year than the last two years were... but it's still difficult to believe that you're really gone. I haven't been back to Tallahassee since that time when I was visited you at the hospital in Gainesville- and I don't know when I'll ever make it back there. But whenever I end up in that part of the world again, you better believe I'm coming to see you and fill you in on all the juicy little details of my life. You're the best example of joy and light and vibrancy I've ever had, and all I can hope is that I'm carrying that example forward as best as possible. I love you baby girl. And miss you like madness. Drink a shot for me, because I know you're partying it up wherever you are. <3

Love Always

Me