Bye… Until Then…. Poem by Elizabeth Jacqueline Mpanga

It's only been a few months,
Since you left this world, gone too soon I would have said
But you left your mark nonetheless
For the longest time, I believed we would grow old together
You leaving this soon was not something that ever crossed my mind
So, little things I could do today
I put off for tomorrow because I took it for granted
Thought we had an eternity together and somehow,
Somehow I thought I would make it up to you somehow…
All the calls I could not take
The times I forgot to call back after I told you I would call
The times I simply didn't call you because I was so preoccupied with my own life
Now that you are gone
I realize how wonderful a person you truly were
You stood out in a soft yet very strong way
You had so much passion for the things you loved
Nowadays, I often find myself thinking …
Was she happy?
Was she lonely?
I find myself wishing I had connected in more ways than one
And so I have decided to be warmer, kinder, more loving, and happier
While I still can be… so that I won't ever have to wonder again
Thank you for being you
You touched me in unimaginably wonderful ways even in your death
Rest in peace
You will be remembered fondly.

RIP LUCY MARIE MPANGA