On Passing
Wouldn't it be heavenly if you could always have only light matters to talk about?
Today, however, is a sad occasion. I attended the funeral of a young girl. She was 18 and she died of leukemia, after years of brave struggle. My relation to her was professional - I was her teacher. Even so, I only saw her two or three times. When she came to consult with me on the matter of her semestral exam, and when she came to take the exam. She was a remarkable student with all straight As. Actually, an unbelievable student, because she wasn't allowed to study hard on doctors' orders (even mental strain was too hard on her frail condition), yet she had such interest and will.
I won't pretend I knew her, it would be silly, and unfair to her close ones. But still, I took an instant liking to her the moment I met her. Perhaps it was based on sympathy, on knowing her illness. I'll never be quite sure what triggered the affection. However, she left the impression of a gentle young person, cheerful, strong, quick-witted and respectful. She was quick to laugh and quick to reply and had a gorgeous, open smile that would not leave her face, even when she was unsure of her answer.
May your strength be an inspiration to all who knew you and to those who wish they had known you better. Rest in peace, Antonija.
Today, however, is a sad occasion. I attended the funeral of a young girl. She was 18 and she died of leukemia, after years of brave struggle. My relation to her was professional - I was her teacher. Even so, I only saw her two or three times. When she came to consult with me on the matter of her semestral exam, and when she came to take the exam. She was a remarkable student with all straight As. Actually, an unbelievable student, because she wasn't allowed to study hard on doctors' orders (even mental strain was too hard on her frail condition), yet she had such interest and will.
I won't pretend I knew her, it would be silly, and unfair to her close ones. But still, I took an instant liking to her the moment I met her. Perhaps it was based on sympathy, on knowing her illness. I'll never be quite sure what triggered the affection. However, she left the impression of a gentle young person, cheerful, strong, quick-witted and respectful. She was quick to laugh and quick to reply and had a gorgeous, open smile that would not leave her face, even when she was unsure of her answer.
May your strength be an inspiration to all who knew you and to those who wish they had known you better. Rest in peace, Antonija.