The Death of a Friend
My good friend Rachel Bjorklund passed away yesterday after a car accident in Indiana. Rachel stood out with her bright red hair and her quiet but acerbic wit. I met her a couple of years ago while living in the Village. She gave me a lift when I didn’t have a car. I probably bummed a ride off of her more times than I should have. Rachel accompanied me to my sister’s wedding in May 2012, and she and I had many good conversations over the years. Her death was sudden and premature, and my friends and I are still devastated from the loss.
A couple of years ago, Rachel reconnected with her childhood friend Danny, and he moved to Dallas to be with her. Danny fit in well with our group. I was happy to see him and Rachel get engaged. I was looking forward to their wedding this May. There is no right time to pass away, but Rachel’s death just seems like it happened much too soon.
Rachel was one of the few people in my inner circle of friends to have any religious inclinations. She went to an Episcopal Church sometimes. I fondly remember talking about my beliefs and doubts in God and the afterlife. I don’t know if she still believed, but I hope there’s a heaven for her to go to. Or something better than this world. 29 years is far too short a time to be on this earth. I sincerely hope there’s a continued existence for someone as amazing as Rachel Bjorklund. My thoughts are with her, Danny and her family. Please keep her in your thoughts and memories. Because in the end, the only thing in this life that matters is who we know and love. Goodbye, Rachel.
Thank you for writing about Rachel. I appreciate the album put together by her friends in Dallas. She is loved.
Heidi, her mother.