My special friend filled my life with love and laughter. I had a divine encounter where I met Tina in a dream, and the whole experience was terrific. Death is cruel; it took my dear friend, and my life has never changed. I recall all the good and bad times we shared, and when those memories linger in my heart, I am often left broken. It inspires me to work hard to write, compile, and turn it into a book to leave a legacy when my time ends. I’m eternally grateful that God allowed me to care for her for the last three months while she lived. One of her gifts to us was always to give us strength. So we must be strong for her and continue living a good life because that’s what she would have wanted. We need to hold onto those sweet memories. That’s how she would like to be remembered. Tina was an extraordinary friend of mine. She was the most precious person I know. Tina had a kind soul with an overly generous heart. No matter how busy Tina is, she always finds time to listen and lend support. And even when she was tired, she ensured she was always there for us. There were times when I couldn’t sleep. Tina was there to talk to me until sunrise. That was how kind and caring she was. Also, Tina has an extraordinary talent for making you feel special. I came over to her house to hang out. I joked about what sober people do for fun. She laughed and said, “Let’s dance!” She turned on the music and started dancing. I was like, “No way I can’t dance.” So the whole night, she kept trying to teach me the snake dance she was infamous for. It was hilarious and so much fun. Another time when I came over in my gym clothes with no makeup. She opened the door, laughed, and said, “Girl, it’s your birthday. I’m not letting you go out like that. You’re getting a makeover.” She hired a friend to do my hair and makeup, made me change into a dress, and then took me out to dinner and dancing. One of Tina’s gifts to us was always to give us strength. Between the two of us, she was always the stronger one. Her life could be chaotic, but she never wore it on her face; and taught me to do the same. I vowed to be stronger and try harder to get healthier for her because I knew she would want that. Her last words were, “There is always more to be thankful for than complain about. Just be strong and don’t give up in life.” We have to believe Tina is at peace now. RIP, my special friend.
Special Tribute: In Memory of Tina Huynh
