Definition of Paradise

The Definition of Paradise.

What is your definition of Paradise? Your "Eden"? A grand garden, depicted in the bible? Mt. Olympus, home of many a Greek and Roman myth? A mansion, money, and the family you love? Maybe a house filled with every comic book or TCG (trading card game) ever printed? A pool of Jello brand gelatin?

All decent answers, if not a bit.. bizarre.

So here is my definition of Paradise, or rather here are my thoughts of an old friend who I hope is in eternal peace.

Eden. That was.. is her name. Though she is no longer with us, her memory will forever be. She was born with an extreme form of drawfism and brittle bones. She was an extraordianry person, and her fall backs did not make her so.

Pure force of will, charm, grace and laughter. That is what made Eden Eden, the most deserving person I know of Paradise.

I met her through a mutual friend, Keith Davis. (AKA Trailfoot). I only had such a short time with her, she died over ten years ago while I was in high school, and it saddens me that I do not remember when. It feels as though I have failed her in some way, forgetting her face, her laugh, just.. forgetting her. It was something I vowed to never do, and though the memories are fading, I know they are still there. Perhaps I just need a reminder every now and again.

Eden was a gamer, much like I am. Played video games, Dungeons and Dragons, and had the most brilliant mind I have ever known. She introduced me to the game series Harvest Moon, which I thought was ridiculous at first because it was just a farming game. Now, ten years later I am still addicted. Is it because of the games themselves? Or perhaps a little bit of me holding on to Eden, because I know she would of liked to play. More than likely its a little bit of both.

*fights back tears*

Okay.. This is getting harder than I thought, but she deserves me to pull through.

I was told by Keith, after Eden had passed away, that Eden thought I was awesome. I am not sure, but I never got to tell her how awesome she was. So the rest of my Blog will be words to her, to store in my little closet of memories, hoping that one day they might reach her soul.

Eden, dear...

I am nothing compared to you. You faced life head on, and cared for others more than you did yourself. I strive to be like you, and while I think I accomplish it in some aspects, I know I fall short. . . I wish I could of had more time with you. More sleep overs at your house, I would of gotten used to your arm breaking by you rolling over, I promise. I could of been your confidant, never seen far from you side. I really think I could of been, but I curse the world that I never got that chance.

Remember hanging around in your house, with Keith, Dave and that other guy who had the nice hair? Roleplaying and teaching Dave's furby to be evil? Yeah, I still remember what you living room looked like. You had a fireplace, and open floor plan so you could see into the kitchen. And your room, a big bed full or queen sized I think, with a tall window that ended near the floor. I remember bits of conversation, glimpses of your smile, but not enough for me to fully remember you.

Even though you never asked me too, I am taking care of Keith in your stead. He doesn't need it as much as he used too, but I am there for him anyway. We are as thick as thieves, even though we live almost a whole country apart. You see, Keith moved to California after Hurricane Katrina and he has a good job that he loves, even if I do try to convince him to move back to Louisiana. :)

I have my own place now, at 27 years old. Finally totally on my own. :) I have a daughter as well, her name is Nea Campbell. Though I am not with her father, she was born from love and her father and I are still friends. You probably would of given me excellent advice during the breakup. Nea is 3 years old, she's going to be 4 this July. She looks like she's 6 though. She is amazingly intelligent and a total sweet heart. I like to think you would of liked her. She might of called you a baby at first, but she would of grown to love you too.

I have a cat, her name is Lanie. She keeps me company during the week while Nea is with her father. I work hard as a Barista at PJ's coffee.

But most importantly... I miss you.

Eden, whatever your definition of Paradise was... I hope you are there.

-Myridd