Rhoda Strickland, 1969-2006

[elSicomoro]

We tend to say that someone died too young or too soon when they die before age 50 or so. And I know that it has been said in the case of Rhoda's recent passing.

But we merely do that for convenience and comfort. We don't like to think that God would take someone from us so young or subject them to an incredible amount of pain and suffering. But the Lord works in mysterious ways, and I think He has a specific plan for each of us...He just gives us some leeway to make our own choices.

I'm not sure what Rhoda's exact purpose on this Earth was...only God knows that. But each of us had our own unique experience with her. Rhoda inspired me to move halfway across a country, taught me about African-American culture and thinking and was with me when I took my first steps in an ocean. She put up with all my bullshit for 6 years and was one of the few people on this Earth who truly understood me. Though I disagree with the way she handled her illness, she dealt with it on her own terms...it was the last thing she felt she controlled in her life.

Unfortunately, I had almost no contact with her during the last year of her life, and from what I've heard, she suffered a great deal. But she will suffer no more. I am sure that she is looking down on us today with her dad, her brother and all her relatives and friends that got up there first.

Though Rhoda and I were not meant to be life partners, I still love her a great deal, and always will. I want to say that she was taken from us too soon, but I know better...and Heaven is probably a way cooler place than Earth.

I love you, Kitty...and I'm glad you're finally at peace.