Dear Editor,

There are no words to describe the loss, to describe the pain. There is nothing to fill the void. How do I deal with not seeing your name showing up on my phone calling me everyday just to say hey? What do you do when the person you're closest to is taken from you before you get to spend a significant portion of your lives together? What do you do when you're drowning in pain? I have no answers to any of these questions.

I do know for a fact that I miss you Khimouy, I miss you more than my heart could bear, and more than my soul is willing to accept right now. How does one explain a best friend? How does one honour sincere friendship? I've been begging God to let me have a little goodness of you inside of me to carry on.

I can spend days telling the world about you, the great person you were, how you inspired those around you and how your voice, just your voice, could brighten up a dark room. Your energy and passion was contagious, your silliness was plain silly, the size of your heart could not be measured and your friendship irreplaceable.

I will remember you my friend, most probably when I laugh. I will remember you when I see a helium balloon and laugh at times you used to suck-in that helium to make funny voices. I will remember you when I dance, imagining you right there dancing with me. I will tell myself that you are peaceful now and, knowing you, you are doing it your way, always realistic, brave and so genuine.

The memories of our good times together will be my rebound tonic whenever I'm down or discouraged. I will also make a solemn promise to you that I will live every moment like it's my last and waste no opportunity that comes my way. This is, after all, how you would want me to live.

We are all diminished by your passing but heaven will be blessed to have you, you can straighten them out. I know your love will prevail and rain upon us. As I feel you come to me in strength, I will know you are with me. Although God is blessed to have you back, I will love you forever my sister, my diary, my best friend. To your family I extend my love, support and condolence. To you, Khimouy, may you rest in eternal peace.

Roosje Rommy