This one is for you, Margay Edwards

October 7, 2014

OPINION By SAVANNAH PETERSON

I envied you.

You were beautiful throughout our pubescent awkwardness. Effortlessly graceful on the basketball court and at the after parties with boys.

I was drawn to you.

You had this enigmatic energy that captured a room, daring anyone not to smile. You enchanted everyone lucky to be near enough to fall under your spell.

I admired you.

Despite your obvious success and unbridled potential, you were humble, kind and grateful. And you always made us laugh.

I supported you.

No matter where life took either of us, I always wished you the best. I always knew you possessed greatness, everyone did.

I missed you.

Work kept me far from home, and pursuing dreams occupied my mind. When it drifted back to home, though, fond memories of our youth poured in.

I hugged you.

The last time I saw you, I was with my mom, and you were lovely, as usual. We were both so glad to have run into you, and hoped to absorb some of your radiant energy.

I wept for you.

Like a baby. When I heard they’d found you out in the desert, a victim of a horrific tragedy, I cried. You’re too good, for that, I said.

I defended you.

A national news outlet covered your passing using the hashtag #bodyindesert. You deserve better than that, more honor. I did the only thing I could, asserting my feeble digital power to influence.

I fought for you.

I loyally reminded this reporter what a beautiful soul you were and they ignorantly lacked tact. They changed the hashtag. It’s the least I could do, m’dear.

I will always think of you.

The life you will no longer get to live. I thank you for touching mine. You are, and will always be, a star, and I am better for knowing you.

There is a belief in some cultures that we die three deaths: when the last breath escapes our lungs, when we are lowered into the ground, and when the last person that can tell our stories has passed.

We will honor you.

We will tell your story. We will tell it so that generations to come will know of your enviable beauty, your admirable grace and brilliant smile.