Marion

Some encounters mark a life. A few years ago, I have been lucky to cross Marion’s way. It was in highschool, where both of us were freshman. Although in two different classes, we shared many good moments, would it be sunbathing in the park, studying in the library, or having lengthy conversations over a drink. Always active, her energy was making wonders, creating a group of heterogeneous friends around her. After highschool, everyone followed their own path. Some relationships faded away, or even vanished. However, when Marion was coming back, we were sure that many of us would be there. She was one of these people that, without trying nor willing it, became the leading figure of a group. From her own words, it was heavy on her, but that’s how it was anyway…
Later, when contacts became less and less frequent, we saw each other from time to time. In Quimper, Angers, Nantes or Paris, and even once in Toronto. It didn’t matter how long we hadn’t see each other for, it was like we had met the day before. Similar experiences, as similar points of view about society and the world, it was someone I could relate to and trust. These last years, we mainly had contacts trough phones, as our respective ways made difficult for us to actually meet. Nevertheless, I knew that whenever I felt down, I could count on her to comfort me, and the other way round…
Her generosity and charisma made a “star” out of Marion. Every person who spent time with her, either professionally or socially, has been marked. Unfortunately, she was a shooting star. Because she is no more. Her heart stopped five years ago today, on a beach of La Réunion. My thoughts are with her family and friends, all the people that met and miss her. Like they are everyday with Marion, trying to follow her example, to live life to its fullest!!!

(I am here reposting something I posted in 2011, a bit edited…)