I'm Walking 100 Miles for American Cancer Society

As I take on this challenge for the Cancer Society, it feels only fitting to reflect on the people who have inspired me along the way. One person who stands out is Rowena. I met Rowena in high school. She was a sweet friend—gentle, kind, with a quiet warmth that made you feel safe. Even when we were separated by distance, there was always an unspoken understanding between us. When we were younger, we planned for the future, dreamed big, and believed we had all the time in the world. But time can be cruel, and some stories end too soon.

Rowena fought her battle with cancer with incredible strength and grace. She endured so much, yet she never lost the kindness and warmth that made her who she was. Even on her hardest days, she found ways to bring comfort to others, including to me, as I battled my own fight with health. But no amount of strength can change the unfairness of time, and I lost her far too soon.

I miss her, and I always will. But I carry her memory with me, knowing that even a life too short, when lived with love, leaves a lasting mark that never fades; a presence that lingers in the hearts of those who were lucky enough to know her.

Losing her taught me a painful truth: time is never guaranteed. After she passed, I wished for so many things: that we had kept in touch more, that I had told her how much she meant to me, that I hadn’t assumed there would always be another chance. If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s to never take time for granted. Tell the people you love how much they matter. Reach out, even if it’s been years. Because tomorrow isn’t promised, and some goodbyes come too soon.