Tribute/eulogy

Her name was Tan Wei. She was 20 going on 21 years old. She was my high school friend. Not a close friend though. She.......died. In the Shanghai stampede on New Year's Eve. She was the only child, full of energy and life. She was studying Biotechnology in Zhejiang University. She was too young to die. There were still so much to see, to learn, to do. She was a budding young lady, full of promises for the future. Yet, she has left this world, away from her loved ones. 

I smiled,

Because you had lived.

Because of your life.

Because I had the honour of calling you "friend".

Because of your impact in everyone's lives.

Because of our memories together.

I cried,

Because you are gone too soon.

Because I never get to know you more.

Because I didn't keep in contact with you after graduation.

Because you didn't deserve this ending.

Because your loved ones will never get to see your smile or hear your laughter again.

Because you had so much to live for.

People live. People die. While we mourn for the dead, let us also remember and cherish the living. We cry but also rejoice and celebrate at the same time for her life. She had lived. She was in our lives. We were privileged to have known her and called her our "friend", "sister", "daughter", etc. We remember the memories we had together with her. 

My friend Tan Wei,

Your sunny smile and infectious laughter will be greatly missed. I couldn't be more honoured to have you in my life for a short period of time. I am sorry I didn't get to know you better. I am sorry we didn't keep in contact. I will always remember the memories we shared. The good times, the laughter. 

We really won't know what is going to happen in the next second. Make peace with anyone that you had a fight with. Contact anyone that you hadn't contact for a long time. Tell the people around you how much you love them before it's too late.

My friend Tan Wei,

You will be greatly missed. 

Rest in peace, friend.

Farewell.