Do Memories Only Last a Lifetime?

We were 11 when we met. So young with a life just waiting to be lived joyfully. I can remember the day well, it was the first day of 6Th grade. Excitement and fear all in one tiny little body as I walked the halls of a brand new school. I didn't know many people, there was several elementary schools that fed into my new middle school. It was a new adventure just waiting to be tackled!

She saw me as the "preppy flute girl" and she was the one person who never fit a stereotype. The girl in the percussion section that was just different. She did what she wanted when she wanted and didn't care what others thought. She was independent and completely content just being herself. It was a couple more years before we became good friends, but when we did it was a friendship unlike any other.

She called me her Mistress of the Obvious, which I won the weekly prise for on more than just one occasion. There were countless inside jokes and fun times. Friday night football games are what I remember most.Percussion has the first row and flutes have the second in the stands and she was always there. Right when our team started doing well she would turn around with that silly grin and ask, "Shannon! Which way are we going?" (Me being the silly girl I am would always ask this questions seriously not knowing the answer.) Upon surveying the field I would determine which way our team was headed and say "That way!" As I pointed in the direction. "Are you sure?" "Yep!" "Positive?" "YES!" "OK" and then she would turn around and start cheering. It was silly and fun, but it's what I remember most. The good times.

I don't remember when we got the news, it was sometime freshman or sophomore year. Adrenocortical Carcinoma. I thought it was nothing serious, but time would prove me wrong. She started missing days, weeks, months. However, she was always at those football games and competitions one way or another. The band was her joy and what she concentrated her life around. It was inspiring to all of us. We watched her on good days and bad days, but through it all one thing remained constant- her never ending positive outlook and courage. No matter what she would always put you first and shrug off the never ending question of "How are you feeling?"

She made it to our junior prom. Probably the only time she was ever seen in a dress and she looked good. "Take a good look" she said "You wont ever see me in a dress again! Next time I'm wearing a tux!" I think she would have too, if she had been given the chance. The following week she was put in the hospital.

I will never forget the last conversation I had with her. She wished me a happy birthday. I don't remember where all it lead to, I just remember one thing. She told me to believe in myself and to go after what I wanted. She told me I would succeed and if I didn't then to learn from my mistakes, but I was better than I realized. A good person with an incredible talent and a good heart. She encouraged me to be the best I could be and more. She gave me courage and inspired me, touching my life in an incredible way.

Ten days later on April 24, 2004 Heather, or Paz as we called her, left us. The week before she was goofing off at prom, and then in an instant her all too short life was ended as quickly as it had begun. She was 16 years old. Too young to have to worry about cancer or chemo, but she did. Too young to leave this earth, but she did. She was one of a kind. A girl wise beyond her years and the kind of person you only meet once in a lifetime.

It's hard to believe she has been gone for 5 years today. It seems like just yesterday she was asking me "Which way are we going?" She had a tremendous impact on my life. I am who I am because I knew her, she showed me who I wanted to be and it is that person I strive to be everyday. She showed me how short life is and to enjoy the simple moments with those you love, they might not always be there. She taught me to love with all my heart and to have courage even in the darkest situations.

If she asked me today, "Shannon! Which way are you going?" I would have an answer for her just like always. I would point up and say "That way." "You sure?" "Yep" "Positive?" "YES!" "OK, see you when you get here, but take your time."


"She is a daughter, a granddaughter, a friend, a role model, a musician - she is a rock. She is strong and she is courageous. Her love radiates, and I can still sense her happiness. She is in the hearts of many, and that's where she will remain. How would she not? She is unforgettable. She is Heather, and she will always be remembered." -Faye (Heather's little sister)