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**A Tribute to Josette**

On Sunday, May 11th, 2025 , I lost more than a friend—I lost a sister, not by blood, but by the bond we built over the years. Josette was a light, a presence that made the world feel softer, kinder, and more beautiful. With a heart full of warmth, she embraced life, her family, and her friends with an unmatched sweetness that left a lasting mark on everyone she met.

Josette was joy—pure, simple joy. She loved fun, yet carried herself with grace and respect like no other. I met her during my cosmetology course, where her passion for hairstyling shone through. She admired every new trend, yet kept her own hair long, sometimes testing styles on mine—turning ordinary moments into something special. It was an act of friendship, of trust, of shared happiness.

She welcomed me into her world, introduced me to her family—her loving husband, her two beautiful children, and her in-laws next door—who made me feel like I truly belonged. She shared childhood stories from St. Vincent with a glow in her eyes, painting memories so vividly that I felt as if I had lived them with her. She reminded me often that I was her true friend, and she knew I would never forget her.

Even as time passed, I made sure to reconnect, reminding her she was always on my mind. But this time, the distance was unexpected, the goodbye abrupt. I didn’t know she was sick, and just two days after receiving the news, she was gone.

The last time I saw her, she was as radiant as ever—she saw me first, shouted my name with joy, and in that fleeting moment, happiness swelled between us. And yet, something held me back from reaching her, from embracing her one last time.

If I had known, I would have held her tighter, lingered a little longer, told her how much she truly meant to me. I loved her like a sister, and now, in the echo of her absence, I realize just how deeply I will miss her.

Tonight, as I sit here, lost in grief, I remember her laughter, her spirit, her love. Josette touched so many hearts, leaving behind pieces of herself in all of us.

She was more than a friend—she was a soul who made the world feel warmer. And though she is gone, she will never truly leave, because her kindness, her laughter, and her love remain—carried forever in the hearts of those lucky enough to have known her.

Tonight, I cry for her, but I also celebrate her. She was light. She was love. She was family.

Sleep peacefully, dear friend. Your beauty, your kindness, your laughter will never fade. You are forever in my heart. You will never be forgotten.

**Rest easy, Josette.**