I cannot express the sadness I feel that you will never pop-up on IM again. I keep hoping that some way, somehow you would just come back to us. You were my trustie virtual co-worker and sweet friend. I could always count on you to be at the office until odd hours, working or checking out the latest craigslist finds. How fortunate I feel that we had a chance to get to know each other and hang out. I still remember the many lunches we had at Iowa, walking to the Mexican taco truck or getting In & Out, then sitting outside to eat and talk. Then came our very first concert together, Imogen Heap, she was great, and it started a trend for us. You were my concert/movie/cultural outing/Ikea buddy. You even helped me move apartments, and attempted to fix my broken chandelier and reprogram my weird 4-channel TV. You inspired me with your handiness and made me think that maybe I too could attempt small bathroom improvement projects. I will forever cherish spending the 4th of July with you, watching oddly smoky fireworks light up the Marina del Rey sky, and our many trips to Ikea, where you would very meticulously peruse the entire store, followed by our ritual of eating hot dogs and talking. Our last movie together, Run Fatboy Run, was a good choice because it was funny and silly, so that I got to hear your infectious laugh fill the theater beside me. Thank you for the beautiful silver earrings you gave me from your trip to Spain, the wonderful Gustav Klimt book, and the many memories of times shared that I will always treasure. I hope that wherever you are you know how many people loved you and that you will be missed tremendously.

Tam

I miss you every day. As a friend, as a co-worker, you are irreplaceable. I admired, respected and valued you more than I expressed. It’s ironic because you always envied my “glamorous” life because of all the traveling and partying that goes on in Sales. But, I in fact, envied YOU. I bet you didn’t know that.

You were the only girl in an office of like 10 guys, and we became fast friends. I felt a sisterhood with you. You always made me feel at ease.

You came to all my birthdays and even spent all day making gnocchi for my husband, Juan’s Birthday last November. It was my first attempt at Thankgiving Dinner on my own, and you spent most of the party in the kitchen with me helping. That’s just the kind of person you were, and you didn’t expect anything in return. You did it out of love.

I dragged you to the industry parties, and accompanied you to the theater on several occasions. I wanted to make more time to nurture our friendship, but I always thought I had more time. Tomorrow, we’ll go to lunch. Next weekend we’ll hang out. We’ll make plans for the summer….

I don’t take anything for granted now. Every day is another opportunity to give, to love, to learn. Your passing has been very cathartic for me.

“The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, But in seeing with new eyes.
–Marcel Proust

I am blessed to have known you. I will never forget you. Thank you for all your love and support.

Love always,
Erika

That is the image of you in my mind’s eye; your smile and silly giggle. I am so happy that every thought I have of you is filled with fun and love and celebration. But it hurts to know that those are the only memories we will ever share again. I just can’t believe the last time we were together, just over a week ago, was doing Yoga and you were laughing out loud in class about Stefan’s funny attempts at poses. You were so strong and vibrant and supportive and encouraging. (But couldn’t help but laugh at my funny husband anyway!) I want to thank you for being such a great friend to my husband and puppy.

I will miss you!

When we first met she drove an 80’s ford thunderbird some kind of special edition with a dozen or more amazing power seat controls. She had a painting of a fried egg. She joined me in secret heckling of those that took work a little (or much) too seriously and was the friendliest, most patient listener and friend that I knew. I left Los Angeles 7 years ago heartbroken and overwhelmed by the passing of another close friend, depression, mid life crazies and a crippling case of agoraphobia. Steph is the only person I have spoken to since.
Once or twice a year she would call me in the middle of the night and we’d talk about the silliest things and more sober things…depression medications, work, plans for the future, relationships.

Once or twice a year I would call her when my personal life was in such a chaotic or ironic state that I had to tell someone… she was the only person I would call.

She is also the person that I called when I came home piss drunk (my first week managing a wine business), had dropped my keys in the bushes in front of my house and decided to sleep there until I could find them in the morning… I only called Stephanie even though she was 800 miles away - we talked until the batteries in my phone gave out.

We talked until the batteries in our phones gave out…
I’ll still be waiting for you to call me back.

I love you so much Stephanie. This is really so difficult.