On March 18th, the world lost someone whom I never met, but I've heard so much about. The things I heard about Eva Coons spoke to her strength and kindness and loving personality. She brought into this world two wonderful children, Eric and Tara, one of whom has become a very close friend and someone I look up to in more ways than I could ever say. She embodies her mother's strength and ability to love so completely that other people want to be in her presence. The old quote "you have to be a friend to have a friend" is so true, and Tara embodies that saying. In the midst of dealing with her mother's illness and ultimate passing, she emailed me to make sure I didn't feel bad about a review - and if that doesn't tell you the kind of person she is, I don't know what will. She cares about people and she treats them with respect, something I have no doubt she got from her mother, a woman so many people loved. There is no greater testament to a life well lived than the people who mourn your passing, and so many people ache for Tara's mom and the family and friends she left behind.
Even though I never met Tara's mom, I will remember the wonderful things I heard about her. She lives on through her children, who will never allow her memory to fade. I will also remember how she commented to Tara last year when I was going to meet Tara in person for the first time that she was sorry she wouldn't get to meet me then. Now we'll never meet, and that makes me so sad.
Hug the people you love today. Tell them what they mean to you, because tomorrow is never promised.