Remember Tatiana
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| Close friend of WMF Peru Staff |
| Date of Birth: |
| Date of Death: |
| Cause of Death: Drowning |
| Memorial by: Jamie Reed |
When I said goodbye, I could not stop kissing her or let go of her hand, knowing that it would be the last time I saw her alive. It was the hardest goodbye I have ever said because I was not ready to say it. I love her so much.
Tatiana never awoke from the 5-day coma she slipped into after nearly drowning in a river that runs through Lima. She died only a few hours after I said goodbye to her. She left the place of her suffering and was welcomed into the place of her rejoicing.
Tatiana was 19 years old when she died, and had a 19-month old son. Though I, and many others, ache with the pain of losing her, I testify before God that He is good and that I am thankful. I am thankful for having known Tatiana, for having been blessed with a very special friendship with her, for having been able to know her intimately and to have shared so much with her, both joys and sorrows.
As I think about our final goodbye, I know how appropriate it was; for during the time that I knew Tatiana, I received countless hugs and kisses from her. They were the good kind of hugs that have so much love and meaning behind them. She held my hand so many times, as we walked or talked; she had the gift of showing her love through touch.
The tears that fell and bathed her face as I kissed her were appropriate because she never held back tears. Tatiana would cry and
laugh at the same time as she opened her heart and shared with me.
Tatiana could light up a room and probably all of Lima with her smile and laughter. She lived and loved fully; she didn’t hold back. She loved and forgave those who had wronged or hurt her with an amazing gift of grace that astonished me.
Tatiana could be outrageous and obnoxious in a way that could frustrate and make me laugh at the same time. She remembered those she loved, calling them on their birthdays and holidays even if she hadn’t seen them in years. There was a time when she would call me every day just to chat and fill me in on her day if she hadn’t seen me in person.
Tatiana loved the people in her life, and I know that the Lord must have looked upon His daughter with joy while she was on earth. How much more He is enjoying her presence now. One of the street kids told me that if we cried, Tatiana would be sad in heaven. I replied, “She isn’t sad there, you know. She is dancing, dancing in the delight of the Lord.”
Jenny, a worker from another organization in Lima and a special friend of Tatiana’s, was visiting her in the hospital the morning before Tatiana lapsed into a coma. Tatiana became restless, wanting to communicate something but unable to speak because of the tube in her throat. Jenny gave her a pen and paper, expecting her to write of her pain, her fear, her desperation. Tatiana wrote faintly, “Thank you for everything.”
Thank you for everything my dear, sweet Tati. I miss your laughter, hugs, squeezes and tears. I miss our long talks, your phone calls and visits. I miss seeing your beautiful face and loving smile. I will always carry your love in my heart.
It was indeed a delight to love you and be loved by you. Dance, my friend. You are free.
Jamie serves among street children in Lima in the position of Social Worker. She has served with WMF for three years.
Please remember to pray for Tatiana’s little boy, who will grow up without his mother.