I'll remember you.

It was a Monday, early February from what I remember about that freezing day. I think it was like -30 degrees or something horrible like that. My partner drove me to the back entrance of the hospital (like we did every day for weeks). On this day, there was a HUGE line to get in (no, this wasn't the hottest club on Saturday night, it's the hospital in "covid times", letting one person in at a time). Like I said, it was probably the coldest day of the year, and the line up was massive. As I was shivering in line, a girl came and stood next to me. I told her that it looked like neither of us dressed for this weather (she was wearing cute sneakers, without socks, a thin coat, designer bag, and a cute hat that was not a winter hat *she was super fashionable). We started chatting in line, and traded our stories. She was super young, bubbly, and kind. She had been through so much, but she still had the energy to talk to me (I won't share her story because it's not my place). I told her about not wanting surgery, out of fear for a permanent poop bag. She told me that there were lots of people who have one, and I could look at Instagram for ideas on how to hide one in a fashionable way. I told her that I was hoping for a complete response, to avoid surgery, and she said that she wished that for me too. It was amazing how much we learned about each other just by waiting in line. Once we parted ways, I had to rush to get to my appointment on time, and I said "have a great day, hope to see you soon!". We went our separate ways, and when I was done my appointment, I told my partner about the girl I had met. She really boosted my mood, and I was hoping I would see her again at some point. A few weeks later, my friend mentioned that a girl she knew (who had a very similar story to my new friend), had passed away. After comparing notes, and seeing her beautiful picture, I knew it was her. I couldn't believe it. She was 35 years old. I wish I had known her...we could have been friends, and we could have hung out at the hospital, and could have been there for each other. I'm sure she must have had so many friends, but I know it would have helped me to have someone on the inside (we go in alone during covid). I think about her every day, and know she's in heaven and free of pain. I wish I got to know her better. I will always remember her.