Raul and I moved to Chicago from Delaware in 2013. As July 4th approached in the summer of 2014, Raul and I realized we were missing all of our friends. It felt like forever since a friend had popped in. On the 4th, we had both resigned ourselves to the fact that we had no plans. We settled in on a quiet day. The next day we had tickets for an outdoor concert on the 5th. I decided to make sangria. I distinctly remember standing in my kitchen on the 4th, when Facebook alerted me that Michelle Owens was a few streets over. I stared at my phone is disbelief as I manically began texting her. She immediately responded! Yep, she was there with the Troopers and she had free time coming up!
The three of us had an amazing night. It was Classic Michelle. Out of nowhere, there she was- making it one of the best days ever. We ate Mexican, drank sangria, played with our dog, and talked. She told us about her cruise and engagement. I can still hear her saying, “YOU GUYS, I just decided I needed to do these things and live my life.” The three of us shared a lot about growing into our skin, living the life you wanted to live, and being the person you wanted to be. It was a wonderful conversation that has stuck with both of us.
We shared travel stories, including about our past Thanksgivings spent in Las Vegas. Michelle was immediately excited about this. She considered joining us in Vegas in 2014. We also talked about our travels outside of the US and planned to travel together in the future. Back at the house, Michelle kept saying “this is goooood sangria!”
We dropped her back off at the buses later than evening. In the days that followed, Raul and I kept smiling and commenting on how it was the BEST FOURTH EVER.
Sometime in early fall, either Raul or I texted Michelle “you should come to Vegas for T-day.” She responded “be careful what you wish for!” We had a wonderful trip and holiday with Michelle, Jeff, Nathan Jennings, Dan Hughes, and my parents. It was fun and it was family. We decided we would do again for years to come.
Words cannot express the light lost. Michelle Owens was gift to us all. Her love, energy, and joy touched us all and taught us so much. I will lover her, miss her, and always try to carry her amazing spirit and teachings with me. In Classic Michelle way, she has made us all better people. She will still make many of our days ahead the BEST DAYS EVER, just for knowing her and having her light in our lives.
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