The Tribune

By Allison Miller

Today’s article is a tribute to a friend that I will always remember.

Some weeks ago, I got a phone call that informed me a dear friend and schoolmate had passed. It took 10 to 20 seconds for me to register the news. When I was able to comprehend what I was told, disbelief set in. The thing is I know that death is a reality for us; as the bible says that it is appointed for a man to die. So it isn’t a question of if we will die, but when we will die and are we prepared to die. It took me a long time to realise that our lives have purpose and it is vital and up to us that we complete that purpose.

However, I would like to share with you my most memorable memory about the deceased. In 1996 my grandmother passed at a very critical point in my life. My classmates attended the funeral in school uniform, which was a good representation for the school. I felt loved and supported by those who I spend most of the day with through the week. Nevertheless, this guy did not wear his school uniform but he wore his personal clothing. Please understand that for a senior high student young man at that time, the easy thing to do would have been to wear his uniform as my other classmates did. In him wearing his own clothing it said to me that it was personal for him. He took the time and put on a blazer and a neck tie. After the service we all went to my house for the reception; when that was over he stayed a bit longer just to make sure I was okay. Him staying meant more than I could ever say.

He had a smile that could light up any dark situation and his attitude made him the life of the party. We spent lots of time together. I could have told so many other stories, nonetheless, remembering him in death, this was the one that stood out the most. I thought I would be able to mourn my friend’s death and just move on no problem. The reality is you don’t move on quickly from a lost like that. Despite all of what I am feeling I can only hope that he knew how I felt about him. Friends like him you can hardly find any more.

So what do I do? I remember the things I learn from my brother and celebrate his life. I pray for his family as they go through this difficult time. I encourage them with these words, there is no pain that we feel that heaven cannot heal. Give it all to Jesus and he will take care of you. Rest in peace Romell, we love you, and will never forget you.