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| Astra Lauren Waller. July 27, 1991 - October 22, 2011 |
Dear Stra,
Words cannot express how much you mean to me. I miss you so much already, things just aren't the same without you here. You inspired me more than you will ever know. You fought stra. You fought every day for 20 years. That's not easy, but you always made it look easy. No matter how tired or sick you felt, you were always up for going out to have a good time. I'll never forget the memories we made, and the laughs we shared. You have helped me through so much in my life and I can never repay you for that. No matter what was going on with you, you were always there to give me advice and make sure I was okay. You always have held a special place in my heart, ever since the first day I met you.
Our love for dance is something we shared. And you were amazing. When we would finish a dance in practice I would be completely out of breath feeling like I was ready to collapse, then I would just look at you and suddenly it didn't matter how out of breath I was. Because I knew your struggle was 100 times worse than I. You kept me going Stra. I danced for you. I'll always remember the 2009 state competition. We came off the floor and I was crying because you were having such a hard time breathing. We had to carry you through the hallway and give you so much oxygen and you were still turning blue. I honestly have no idea how you did it. To this day I cannot fathom the strength you have inside of you.
You are an inspiration to my whole family. When my mom had cancer, or my dad lost his eyesight, somehow you always came up in conversation. That no matter what you're going through, somebody somewhere has it worse off than you, and makes it look 10 times easier. You did just that. You and Jamie were always there asking how I was, or what you could do to help. When I found out about my grandma earlier this year, I was on my way to the hospy to see you. I just remember you asked how I was and I just broke down in tears. I stayed until 1 in the morning just having you hold me while I cried. My dad especially held a special place for you in his heart. He would constantly say "Wow she is just an amazing girl." But anyone that knew you knows that that just isn't enough to describe you. Your love for life and your sweet smile inspired others, and I know I will use that for the rest of my life.
I'll never forget all the hospy visits. Ordering pizza, watching Bachelorette (which there is absolutely no talking during), making bracelets, painting nails, watching the sunset, or even sneaking off the grounds. We have had some amazing memories I will cherish for the rest of my life. I am so grateful for having you in my life, and being able to call you a best friend. You have changed my life forever and you will never ever be forgotten. I know you are in heaven with the big guy just loving life. You must have loved taking that first deep breath for the first time. No meds, no machines, no coughing, no oxygen. Just you and your perfectly healthy lungs. So go run, jump, and dance your heart out Stra.
You better love all the surprises we have for you today. Just wait till you see what your family and friends have done in your honor. My heart is broken, and there is a hole there now, but I know you have been with us these past few days. My eyes are swollen and raw, but the tears are there because you have been such a great part of my life. All of my tears are for us down here, because I know you are a happy girl dancing with the angels. Oh strubber, you would have loved last night, all of us together because of you. It truly was a happy moment to see everyone come together to help celebrate your life. Because that's what you would want, a celebration. And tonight, we will give that to you. I love you forever Astra Lauren.
"It's never goodbye, because goodbye means going away, and going away means forgetting."
I'll see you soon baby girl. Forever in my heart.
Love, Megan "hendy"
