Nurbaity Faris

I can’t believe you’re gone. I keep reading those words and somehow they still don’t feel real.

We met all those years ago when I first enrolled at Randolph High School and we ended up taking French class together. I had no idea then that you would become one of those people who would remain part of my life through so many different chapters.

You were there through the ups and downs. You were there celebrating with me at Jonah’s baby shower and after he was born. You were the kind of friend with such a genuinely huge heart, and no matter how much time passed or how life changed, there was always so much love there.

What hurts so much is knowing you were fighting this battle and I didn’t even know. We had just talked not that long ago about you coming to visit me in Austin, or me coming to see you in Connecticut. In my mind, there was still time. There would be another visit, another conversation, another chance to make memories together. I never imagined I would be saying goodbye instead.

My heart breaks for Jesus, Eva and Sofia, your mom, your siblings, and everyone who loved you. I can’t begin to imagine the loss your girls are feeling. I hope one day they truly understand just how deeply their mom was loved and how many lives she touched simply by being the person she was.

I will always be grateful that one random French class brought you into my life.

I wish I had known, Stephanie. I wish I could have been there for you the way you were there for me so many times. I hope you knew how much I loved you, even across the miles and through all the years and changes life brought us.

Rest peacefully, my beautiful friend. I will carry you with me always. 💜