Tara Bradford
When we traveled together so many years ago, Eliesha was one of the most compassionate, kind, accepting and overwhelmingly loving friends a girl could ask for. Over the years, memories of our time together have peaked through too many times to count - her big all encompassing hugs, her joyful and contagious laugh and her big smile beaming life, the way she loved and respected all things big and small and the knack she had for making everyone feel special.
It is now about 25 years later since we’ve shared such beautiful experiences and laughter together, and I can still remember as clear as yesterday times that we shared - I think because of how deeply she was able to connect with me, like she did with everyone. She undoubtedly has left a stamp of love and life on the heart of everyone blessed enough to have spent time with her.
I haven’t made efforts to stay in touch with people throughout my life, always moving on to the next season and trying to leave the previous seasons behind. I am hit with intense sadness now. What an immense loss that I’ll never find words for. How I wish I had shared with Eliesha how her friendship years ago has impacted my life, how watching her from a distance fight this cancer battle so bravely and with such grace has changed a piece of me.
Eliesha, one of the most beautiful people I’ve ever known - I will carry your beaming smile, your loving voice and the friendship you gave me in my heart. Till we meet again …