Three years ago today I lost my best friend. In some ways it seems like yesterday. Her life was taken from her in an instant. In an act of rage and anger she was snuffed out. She fought hard—Kelly-Anne Drummond didn’t want to die. She had great plans for her life: travel, a career in radio or television production, a husband and kids one day, the ability to experience life’s simple pleasures, and eventually growing old, surrounded by her family and friends. But because of the actions of one person, she won’t ever get to accomplish any of those things.
Every day I struggle to figure out how to properly honor Kelly-Anne’s memory. I miss her so much, and I wish more than anything we could have the chance to talk one more time. If I could speak to her again, I’d tell her that I love her and thank her for being such a great friend to me for almost twenty years. I would tell her that nothing has really been the same since she died: I can’t swing by her house to say hi, or pick up the phone for a long chat, or open my e-mail and find a description of her latest adventures. Above all, I’d tell her I was sorry. Sorry that this happened, and sorry I couldn’t do more to help her see that the boy she was dating wasn’t right for her, and was in fact, downright dangerous.
I hope you will all remember Kelly-Anne this week. Do something to honor her memory in some way. And please, above all, try to help your loved ones who might be caught in a bad relationship. Things can go tragically wrong in an instant. Kelly-Anne certainly never thought she would wind up dead. Although Kell is gone, her legacy will live on forever through those who knew and loved her.
2 comments:
Hi Rachel,
I was going through my favorites to find your flickr account and see if you posted photos of Clara's shower yet and happened to click on this link. I was surprised to discover you just updated this blog on this terrible anniversary.
Kelly-Anne is blessed to have a friend as loving and loyal as you. You truly carry the torch and I admire your loyalty and dedication. The impact of Kelly-Anne's murder rippled and rippled, I'll always remember the days following when you were in Montreal with the Drummonds and how unsettled Stephen was to be back in Washington alone. The senseless violence intruded into so many lives, shaking their sense of security. I can only imagine how her parents and sister could feel.
I didn't know Kelly-Anne but in the process of keeping up with your life I felt as though I did and I offer you and the Drummond family my sympathy today.
Rob Manfredi
Hi Rachel,
There isn't a day that goes by without me remembering how Kelly Ann really did have a positive impact on everyone's ( including mine)life & it remains true to this day. I am still deeply saddened at what occurred three years ago but I do believe that we who have remained on Earth must remember her and do what she would've done to help others get out of the cycle or at least recognise the warning signs. If ever you feel ready to discuss and raise awarenesss /sensitise the community towards this, please let me know. I've been wanting to dedicate a show to her for a few years now & think it might be time to talk...let me know what you think.
You & her family have always been in my prayers.
Liz
(Communications Grad; Producer/Host Monday Morning After
monday@ckut.ca)
Post a Comment