Taylor Peterson (senior) is unlike what she portrays in her school life.

Meaning there is more to her than she would ever tell. She is different despite her rather reserved and quiet exterior, many untold stories that few know. Being Taylor’s friend for many years has given me the chance to get to know her, and she is more than what she puts out into the world.

Taylor moved around her whole life, living all over the country. This never gave her the chance to fully be comfortable with her surroundings. Her mom really likes change and didn’t want to be surrounded by the same things all the time; thus Taylor learns to adjust.

“I am not a good conversation starter.”

Her mother, having a troubled childhood, tries to do what is best for her kids.  She later finds out she has kidney disease while pregnant with Taylor. After that, an endless staircase of health issues continue to impact her physical and mental health, until she later passes away.

Taylor’s mother is her best friend.  Although her physical health sometimes put her in a bad place, she did not want to rely on her kids.

She tried her best.

Later Taylor is diagnosed with kidney disease as well, and although she is strong now, she seeks treatments a couple of days a week to keep her going.

Taylor says something to me a few years ago that I will never forget. She tells me that I am a lot like her mother — “We’d get along well, if I ever met her.”

She tells me that as I enter her life, just as her mother has left. Maybe it is a coincidence. Maybe it is not.