On the first day of 7th grade gym class, I came out of the bathroom crying. This girl who I had never met before asked me what was wrong, and helped me out. She became one of my best friends. Her name was Maryam. Maryam Rassoulian Stall died yesterday, Saturday April 11th after a long and complicated battle with systemic lupus.
I remember the spring day I called her in 2006, asking if I could name my not yet born daughter after her. She said she would be honored.
Maryam my friend was only able to meet Maryam my daughter once. The last time I saw her was over Christmas, and she was in the hospital. I wasn't able to bring my daughter in to see her since she was in the ICU. I did show her a picture of how her namesake was growing up, strong and happy.
Maryam was only 32 when she died. She was in a lot of pain, and I am glad she is released of that. Whenever I say my daughter's name, I am reminded of my friend, of her strength, her beauty, her spirit. When Maryam is old enough to understand, I will tell her about her namesake - how her gentle kindness was so present, how her fiery spirit was there, too. I'll tell her how one 13 year old girl helped me when I was young, and became a lifelong friend.
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1 comment:
Thank you for this. I was searching the Internet, trying to see if there was any mention of the friend I loved so much. I think your post perfectly captures her.
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