Nicole Story page 20

Because of the Long QT Syndrome we lived every day as if it were our last. I planned for her to live forever and take me on a castle tour of Europe, but made sure today was filled with love. There was always that 9% chance her heart could just stop. She took responsibility for herself. She took her medication, reviewed over the counter medicine online to see if they were dangerous for her, made her cardiologist’s appointments and followed his directions. She worked with Students with Disabilities and her professors to make up assignments she missed when it was too hot or cold for her to attend class. It was easy to forget because it was invisible to the outsider. She knew and she took care of herself. Because of that, I have no guilt for things unsaid or undone. We said we loved each other often. Still, there is no way to prepare for the loss of someone who is such a huge piece of you.