What Matters: In Memory of Aryanna

Last night I was trying to eat what I can (I have put on some weight thanks to the treatments and ongoing proper medical attention: I was under 100 lbs and now back up at least 20 lbs).

I dropped my phone when I saw the news that my close friend’s daughter had taken her own life.

So young, so beautiful and such a short walk on this earth.

My own struggles to stay alive seemed so futile when I saw his post. Here it is:

I don’t have any words to express my grief as this is one of my closest friends from childhood. Like the big brother I never had and always wanted, he has always been there for me and for everyone. Especially for his family.

I have never met a more dedicated and cool dad as him. A once-upon-a-time childhood friend who was rebellious, smart and and always steady, he has always been the example of what a friend, a dad and a real man should be in my eyes.

To learn that he and his family’s heart will be forever missing his beloved daughter has made me step back yet again, and ponder the meaning of life.

I know there are no words or feelings to even begin to express the pain that accompanies such a tragic loss. There is surely a hole in all of our hearts, especially his, that can and will never again be filled.

I saw this for many years in my legal career. I was tasked to talk to the parents of missing children and family members, knowing as I spoke whatever small words of comfort could offer at the unripe age early in my legal journey, that most likely these worried parents and families would never see their loved ones again.

Memories are places we often visit and dwell in when we are sick. tired, heartbroken or simply unable to be in the present that can often be too painful.

What matters most is not the loss, but the celebration and gift of life those that leave us too early have enjoyed on this planet, in this existence.

What matters most is the joy and happiness that we experience together.

When we look back and relive our memories, that is a gift of life. To be able to recount all of the laughter, smiles and joy that we bring to each other, even in the face of extreme adversity, that is the gift of the human heart.

Our resilience is the key to our survival.

I pray tonight and every night with each breathe that God allows me to exhale that my friend and his family find resilience and peace sooner than later. There is nothing I can do to help him now, but only to pray to our Father and Lord to help her family heal from this sudden and tragic loss.

If you know someone who is depressed, sad, heartbroken and just feeling alone, reach out to them. Say something. You may not be able to absolve them of the feelings they harbor and the demons with which they struggle, but you can certainly pray for them.

God is greater than us and can bring feelings of peace that our words and support cannot fulfill in these trying times.

Remember those during the holidays and always that have lost loved ones. Their empty seats at your tables and hearts can never be filled.

Be kind to each other. Cherish every moment.

Please help me spread this for my dear friend. He is struggling in the face of these difficult times. I know he is strong, and his family is with him but anything you can do for these wonderful people will help them.

Here is the link to help them with the memorial:

https://gofund.me/71e37a2c

Share this and pray with me. May God help them in ways they need most during this time and all times. I pray this in Jesus holy name, amen.

May Aryanna’s light shine to others in the darkness and help them find hope.

Love you Matt.

Stay strong.

RIP Aryanna. 🙏🏼❤️🐬🌊💫

Always,

Dilara

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