Goodbye Julia

Where does one start when they try to commemorate one of the greatest persons to have ever lived?

"Today was is possibly one of my saddest days in my life; your passing was so sudden, and the void of your absence will be felt. Cape Town will never be the same again"

Terrible start, a message left on Facebook while tears streamed down my face and trying to be cryptic in case there are still close friends who are not aware of her passing. It was too short, verbose yet not enough. The despair deepens as I tried to face one of the most miserable weeks at my job, ever.

Two days later I attempted it again, this time posting in a less active forum; WeChat Moments:

"No amount of words, no matter how eloquent can describe this feeling of loss, the void and anguish. Tears could not wash away the pain and I find myself hating your one love that has stolen you from us."

Better in some ways, yet worst in others. My troubled mind was tired; and overwhelmed with such sorrow that words could not come to mind. So let me try again, in my own little corner of thoughts that is at the same time public and private.

On Sunday the 4th June, Julia Chen after suffering a fall while climbing admitted herself to hospital; was placed in a medical coma to relieve the brain swelling and by evening that night was pronounced brain dead. Mid-day Monday the call was made to pull the plug.

For better part of a decade you have been a constant in my life, and I find myself extremely proud to be called one of your close friends, one of those whom you have shared your dark humour and cynicism with; despite your reputation for being one of happiest, warmest and radiant personalities in the world. You showed me a side of you that is rarely seen; and deep in my heart I want to believe that side of you is mine along. I want to believe that so much right now as I hope claim a side of you as my own. 

Go well, my dear friend. My love for Cape Town will never be the same again, your departure will forever darken the city of lights that I have held dear all these years. Tears will never be able to wash away this loss; only time can do that and I hope it never does as it diminish the magnitude of this loss. I can't help but hate your love of climbing, it took away one of the brightest lights in my life and I can never forgive it, ever.