There are people that God sends into your life for a reason. Obi, you were one of those people for me. You were so fearless in the way you embraced life, you did everything in full measure. The way you lived in today, inspired me to remember that life is sweet and I should savor it. Your guiding light was always your love for others and it showed in the way you found time and were in the moment with each person. You knew that life was sweet and everyday should be cherished. I was often amazed at how much you did and how you put all you had into everything you did. If we were out at dinner you had the dessert, if we were at an event you met new people and recognized pieces of yourself in them so that within a few interactions you made a new friend. The way you opened your heart to people and brought them close to you was inspiring. You reminded me that there are so many things in life to be excited about. So many things filled you with joy, a new book, a new piece of technology, a new person, a new meal, a new drink, a new pair of shoes, you took joy in it all. I will miss the way meeting a kindred spirit would inspire and animate you. I will miss the way your voice got loud when you felt something passionately. The way you lived and loved in your life, inspired me to sometimes buy the shoes, to have the dessert, to leave everything out on the dance floor. Your presence was so big it could fill a room and at the same time you were connected to the people in the room. Through your thoughtfulness you reminded me to be more thoughtful, to open my heart and connect and relate to people even more. Your empathy helped me find more empathy and understanding for people in my life and in the world around me. You were unselfish in sharing the people in your life with me. There were times when I would tell you to slow down and not do so much but it seems you knew that your time on earth was short and in that time, you were going to fulfill your purpose. Selfishly I want more time with you, more time to share an amazing meal or have insightful conversation or just share a laugh, but it seems your purpose has been fulfilled and you have no more to give to this world. Thank you for being so generous with your time, your mind, your spirit and your heart. To bring so many people close to you and impact so many lives is evidence your work is complete. I will always miss you my friend, my chosen sister who gave great advice and perspective while at the same time living with such fire that your flame lit the minds and hearts of many. Having known you had changed my life forever and because of you I will never forget to savor, enjoy and be fearless in life.
Thank you for all the joy, laughter and inspiration,
Odi