Taking a deep breath she gently taped the speaker phone, waiting for everyone's attention which she got short after. Seeing them all in black made tears want to resume own the woman’s face. She took a deep breath, she knew where to start, it was written for her, right there in her hands. But to accept what had happened... after reading the note in her hands she would need to accept it.
She didn't know if she should start off with introducing herself, but she was sure everyone... or at least most of them knew who she was. Unless they came from the school just to be supportive. She shook her head, directing her eyes to the piece of paper in her hands before opening her mouth to speak.
Hello, my name is Anna Reece for those of you who came to support a friend. I was 13 years old. I was 11 years old when I was diagnosed with Hemophilia. At one point I remember being able to run and play with no worries like some of you here today, able to play my favorite sport which happens to be soccer. I even enjoyed riding my skateboard, even if I wasn't the best at it.
She took a minute to regain her strength, laughing softly with a hand over her mouth as she read that part. "I'm sorry" she spoke into the mic and people gave her sympathetic nods. Looking over to where Anna's father sat he gave her an encouraging smile to continue.
But one day it was all taken away from me and as a kid I didn't know what to do. I was 11 years old and I didn't know how to accept the fact that I couldn't run anymore. It was hard, watching all the other kids play while I sat on the bench, but I managed to get through it because I had amazing parents who loved me and amazing friends.
The summer after I graduated grade five was difficult. I used to hang out at the park with my best friend Haley Lanes for hours at a time! It was really fun because it wasn't a crowded park, it was nice and calm. But, one day two other girls came to the park, two sisters who just moved there. Haley and I wanted to be nice and we introduced ourselves and after a few minutes of talking we had two new friends.
Another pause, her eyes drifted to the sisters who sat down with their parents who looked guilty. She sighed softly, she didn't hate them. She couldn't hate them; they were kids who didn't know any better. Her little girl had asked her to forgive them, and she had to obey her last command.
Amanda got mad at me one day and pushed me very hard, I hit my head against the slide. I can't really tell you what happened because I can't really remember but when I woke up I was in the hospital. I remember how much I hurt and the first thing I wanted to do was write my mom and dad a letter because I knew it would be hard on them. I also remember my mom coming into my room crying-
She couldn't continue, the tears falling freely down her face, unable to control them like she had the whole time reading the small letter in front of her. She lifted her shaky hand, wiping her eyes. There wasn't much left and she knew if she just tried, pushed herself a little more she could do it.
and I told her that she couldn't be mad at Amanda, she couldn't because she did it accidentally. My dad didn't see me, he was busy with work. So mom? I know you'll be reading this so please tell daddy I love him.
Stopping she looked up at her husband, his hands clenched in anger and guilt as tears fought to fall. She mouthed 'I love you' to him before continuing on.
I’m feeling tired and now, after pushing so hard I can hear my thoughts telling me to let go. The pain to my head is too much and now, if I let go it'll all be gone. I hear grandma calling me, so the last thing I have to say is, mommy, daddy? I promise I'm still going to be with you in your hearts when I let go. I promise and I love you.
She looked up, folding the letter and putting it into her pocket. "I guess now it's a good time to introduce myself, even though most of you know who I am... My name is Kayla Reece, I'm Anna's mother. My husband is Steven Reece. Two weeks ago we lost our baby girl because the trauma caused to her head was too much for her. I don't blame anyone though. I'm angry, but I know my baby girl died because she was ready." She smiled the best she could to the audience who gave her small smiles in return.
"Thank you." She whispered softly.
The End
