You Are Always With Me in My Heart

Halloween is approaching which only means one thing for me, Brooke's anniversary. For those of you who don't know, I met Brooke Ashley Weaver on my very first day at Shippensburg University; she lived in the room right next door to me. We became incredible friends who had a sisterly bond. Brooke was an avid horseback rider thanks in large part to her beautiful horse, Bailey. She competed in many horse shows, the Devon Horse Show being her biggest accomplishment. Brooke and I shared a very strong hatred towards thunderstorms, she would often curl up with me in my twin bed and we would tell each other goofy stories just to take our minds off of the weather. After my freshman year, I transferred home (one of the best decisions I have EVER made, Ship just was not right for me at all) but Brooke remained one of my best friends. She supported me with my decision knowing I wasn't happy there.





October 31, 2004 I tried calling Brooke to see if she went to a halloween party up at school but her phone was off. For Brooke this is rare, she would have her phone on no matter where she was, she always wanted to be available. I tried calling several other people but to no avail. I decided to try one more person due to the fact that I now had a pit in the bottom of my stomach, I knew something was wrong, and I knew it was Brooke. I finally got a hold of her roommate, Kate, who told me that Brooke had passed away late that day from a brain aneuryism and her parents were going to be the ones to tell me. My mom was next to me when I got the news, and I dropped to my knees never experiencing that immense amount of emotion before; I thought my heart was going to stop because it hurt so bad.




I stood up to speak at her funeral, looking around at the room filled with so many people who loved her so much. Brooke was an organ donor; she saved approximately 31 lives from her one life. Remarkably enough, her corneas were donated to a young boy who I hope today is able to see thanks to her. I've never been a very religious person but I truly believe in guardian angels. Brooke is with me whereever I go. Her parents have given me several items that I treasure so dearly, one of which is a silver bracelet that never leaves my wrist. When I say that I take Brooke with me whereever I go and she never leaves my heart, it really becomes an understatement. Sometimes I can just feel it, I know she is with me, especially when I need her the most. Brooke, whereever you are right now, I love you and I miss you so very, very much. You. are. my. hero.