Touched By An Angel
“Love never fails.” 1 Corinthians. 13:8
Isabella Maria Shinn– A beautiful soul who exemplified kindness and compassion. A girl who was not afraid to stand up for what she knew was right. A person who continuously put others before herself. And an angel who held nothing but LOVE.
I met Izzy my freshman year of high school.
It was 3rd period, lunch time. The cafeteria was crowded with numerous unfamiliar faces, and I struggled to find my place. I sat down and began unpacking my lunch. I looked up, and saw someone approaching me. A beautiful girl with a big smile and bright eyes, Izzy. Izzy came into my life and all of the sudden I found myself unable to remember life without her. In the midst of a growing relationship, a global pandemic robbed us of being able to physically see and support each other. The upcoming school year presented itself with challenges that felt impossible. We would have to survive the academic year without seeing each other, but the LOVE we had for each other is what kept our everlasting bond strong.
Junior year approaches, restrictions are lifted, our friendship peaks.
Our friendship blossomed into something beyond imagination. The kind of friendship that made life less chaotic and the world a lot more meaningful. We were finally able to be together, and we definitely took advantage of it. Memories with Izzy are the best memories. Nights out to dinner, trips to the mall, bonding over TV shows and chatting about Phillies players, doing each other's hair, time after school, and so much more. After a long day at school I always loved riding the elevator with her to the first floor and finding hundreds of selfies of her on my phone. There is nothing more special to me. When senior year began, I often struggled to keep my feet on the ground. Life was pulling me in so many different directions, and I felt alone. Izzy saw right through the act I put on to hide my feelings, and believed in me so much. I remember receiving many texts throughout the day similar to this one: “hey, you okay? I’m here for you.” I knew I could always count on Izzy to make me feel better, even if she was having a rough day herself. There is no one like Izzy, I could tell her absolutely anything, and she would listen. She knew me inside and out, and was with me through thick and thin. She was my shoulder to cry on, my rock, a wonderful human.
December 6, 2022, my entire world stopped. Izzy had been in a tragic accident and passed away. I felt nothing. For a while I was in disbelief, and found myself at a loss for words, nothing worthy enough to describe how much I miss her. I’ve anticipated how the days to follow her death would flow, but no thoughts that attempt to bring comfort can prepare you for a life without one of your best friends. It pains me deeply that there is no future with Izzy, that future is lost. Each time I think of her, the phrase “i wish” becomes a broken record in my mind. I wish I could text her. I wish I could hug her. I wish I could talk to her. I WISH she was HERE.
I am so incredibly proud of her. She accomplished so much in the small amount of time she was given. She was so talented, intelligent, and beautiful. Above all she was an amazing person. She taught me so much, and I will carry everything I learned from her with me for the rest of time. The bond we had is one I will cherish forever, a unique bond that survived so much. If there’s one thing I learned, it's that death can not defeat LOVE. Izzy’s part in my story may be over, but her love will forever be alive in my life. Everything we had together will forever remain, because love. never. fails.
Izzy, This world will never be the same without you in it. Continue to be my guardian angel. I love you, and I will miss you for the rest of time.