i remember passing by a stranger at work. she would offer a smile, and i would smile back in a polite response. days would go by and the routine would go on.

soon enough, friendly smiles would have words to accompany them.

"hi!", she'd say.

"hello!", i'd reply.

time would pass by and we'd eventually learn each other's names.

"hi, caz!", she'd say.

"hello, rose!" i'd reply.

our greetings would finally become more cheerful.

"hi, caz! how are you?", she'd say in a happy tone. ^_^

"i'm good. enjoy your shift!", i'd gladly reply. ^_^

often times, this is how strangers would turn into acquaintances, and miraculously grow into friends. we may never be more than that, but it was more than enough for us to share and be part of each other's lives. i will miss the way she greets me with her cheerful smile (enthusiasm has always been a good and contagious characteristic).

though she may no longer hear these words, i hope that in prayer it'll find its way to her. and with a heavy heart i say, "goodbye, rose! we will miss you. walk in God's peace!"

"they say that people live on... that you don't forget them if you talk about them. tell stories about them. okay. i get it now."

- robin the boy wonder

please offer a prayer for my friend roseville caluza who passed away recently. the world is less special without her.