Lizzy

 How do you write a tribute to someone you don’t know but at the same time walked the same path. 

Lizzy left an impression on me. Her style and the way she handled life. We didn’t have much interaction but she spoke to me in so many ways. She and I walked the same path thru cf and lung transplant and I had always admired the way she carried herself with attitude sass and spunkyness.  When we loose someone who has walked the same path a piece of us goes with them even tho I don’t think that’s what Lizzy would want but that’s our lives. We are all entwined together through our struggles and our triumphs. The ups and downs only draw us closer to our community and the ones we love. And boy was she loved by so many. When someone we adore and admire looses their light ours tends to burn a little less brighter knowing they are at peace and resting without the burden of being well, sick. Life is unfair at how god chooses his angels and when he calls them home. Although some say and many believe he has a purpose I doubt that sometimes. Why her.? Why now? What about everything she went through just to live 4 beautiful and glorious years but they were a struggle with so much pain and happiness mixed together. All I know is she went out on her own terms like a true warrior. She called the shots until her last breathe and that leaves me standing in awe of the woman we loved, Lizzy

Warrior

 A warriors death is what I strive for. Something leaving everyone in awe of the courage and strength you have. Having that moment where people stare and take their breath away at the way you handled your life and celebrate you for not what you could have been but the bad ass you are. And the way you walked away from a disease that’s taken many great warriors like you. Making transplant look like a fairy tale story knowing good and well there were so many ups and downs that you sometimes struggled to hold on the roller coaster that comes with a transplant. All while keeping people looking on wondering how she does it.  A warrior never lets on to the pains and struggles inside, the fights you battle silently and the tears you shed when no one is around. The life you could of had is a dream that occurs nightly and feels more like a nightmare. Waking up with your fists balled ready to fight in a moments notice. Gritting your teeth so much you wake up with headaches but nothing is as painful as that dream that replays night after night. I wasn’t made to be a warrior I was born a warrior and when you had the chance to shine you showed the world what you were deep down. A warrior. A warriors death is for me.