We were put in the same group together. I had signed up for a mentorship program and was invited to a fancy luncheon to kick it off. She sat at my table and at break time we made our introduction. There was small talk and from then on we kept in touch, running into each other at church and/or mentorship meetings.

I was struck by her wisdom. What seemed beyond her years. She was finishing up med school. Compassionate, strong, caring and understanding. Just a few things I noticed about her immediately. Every single time I saw her she would ask me about my photography. She would dote on me to anyone standing around. She made me feel special. Like I was actually good at this thing. Like she really cared.

At the age of 27,  Michelle was diagnosed with an extremely rare form of liver cancer. I didn’t know. I didn’t know until just a few months ago when I talked with her just exactly what she was going through. I felt guilty. A trait she would never want me to feel. In October Michelle was admitted to the hospital and I was lucky enough to be able to go visit her. Just 2 days later she would be flying to her home country where all her family was in Malaysia.

In the hospital room, we talked. I listened to her journey. Her courage. Her unshakable faith. It was so inspiring. I questioned what my own faith would be like in that situation.  In the midst of conversation about her, Michelle turned it on me. She asked me questions about my life. Things I was going through and dealing with. Things that I did not turn to God with first. Right there in that room, in uncomprehensible pain, in sickness, in youth, Michelle responded with wisdom. She stood in faith when I couldn’t even have it for myself. She encouraged me.

This past Sunday, Michelle passed away in Malaysia. The news, devastating. Her faith, never ceasing. I have never met such an amazing woman of God. I sit here at my computer, tear filled with so many questions. Questions that can’t be answered. I appreciated a comment written on her Facebook wall, “You now understand what we can still only question”.

Michelle you are dearly missed. I am so honored to have known you. Thank you for believing in me.