The last time I saw you, you came by my house with Kelly. You were holding a large bag filled with apples picked from an orchard hours before. I was making vegan cupcakes & when you bit into one, you said they were the best vegan cupcakes you've ever had. You sat on my floor & watched our Michigan friends play Batman, but it was getting dark, & Kelly had to open the next morning, so you said you'd stay & spend time with us a couple minutes more. You gave me a kiss on the cheek & hugged me so tight while we made promises to hang out in Chicago, soon. We exchanged I love you's & you two set off home. You were excited to train me for Great Lakes, & wanted to do so the following weekend, but I was switched shifts that Sunday we had planned the Chicago visit ... then the following Wednesday, not hours before I had called you, Eric called me with heart shattering news ... at the sound of the dial tone, I broke lose on the inside, & didn't move for 4 hours ... Eric & Luke came home, & dragged me to the bar & we drank away our sorrows we knew would never fade. Liza, you were a great friend, & cared so much about coffee, & any one of your friends & family. You told me to do better than my best, & I promised I would for you. You told me to never let anyone get me down. You would've gone to the ends of the earth for anyone. Or anything. You were beautiful, full of knowledge, passion, courage, & kindness. Thank you for the long conversations, friendship & encouragement. Thank you for everything you done with me, & for me. I will never forget you. Ever.
I love you, Liza Whitacre. I'm better person upon meeting you.
