Some Stuff I Would Tell Oscar About His Mommy/Mummy

I met Katie in 1997 she was my neighbor's friend and eventually Katie became my neighbor too.  She lived in a two-story condominium and I lived in an upstairs unit so my front door/balcony looked directly over Katie's back yard (and bedroom window).  It was very convenient, I didn't even need a phone to call her, I could just open my front door and holler or throw something into her backyard until she opened her door.  We lived on Thomas Avenue in Pacific Beach, a community of San Diego.  Our homes were 5 blocks from the beach and steps to several bars and restaurants.  We were at that stage in our lives where we were free to do what ever we wanted to do.  We were in college trying to mold ourselves into the wonderful women we would become.  I have never really liked to meet new people or making friends but Katie (and her roommates) wouldn't allow me to stay in my cave, no matter how much I protested, and eventually we became very close friends. Katie was a very dear friend to me.  We held hands through the death of loved ones, we held each other's hearts during breakups, we held each other's hair when we drank too much, and we held each other up when we could not do it for ourselves.   I have so many wonderful memories of Katie it is hard to write down any single memory.    She overslept the morning of her graduation from San Diego State and almost missed the ceremony; she changed the spelling of her name and changed it back again just to confuse us; she loved Madonna, the Cure, Depeche Mode and Bjork; she wore red lipstick; she liked fishnets; she called me Sunshine; she didn't swear a lot; she spoke French; she liked cheese; she would tell you if you were being an a-hole but then let you apologize for your bad behavior; she would always wish you a day filled with sunshine and roses; she could burp really loud, and she was proud of it; she would pour you a glass of wine if you needed one; she would pour you a glass of wine even if you didn't need one; she would stand by your side if you were scared; she liked to sing and dance; she once played a monkey in a play; she loved old movies; and she was my friend. In the summer of 2001, Katie left for Belgium and I moved to Hawaii, we would never again live less than a few thousand miles apart, but due to incredible modern technology and frequent flyer miles, we have been able to stay in touch.  I am very thankful for the time I was given with her.  She taught me about friendship and life and I guess the final lesson that each day is a blessing.  I think the hardest part about this is I do not have my friend to talk to.  I am lucky to have the circle of friends still in my life that was created back in those days in Pacific Beach and I get to share the memories of Katie with those friends daily.  Our circle has now grown a little smaller but Katie's place will always be held for her.  I miss you Katie.  We're all heading your way; you just got there first! Summer Walker