Stephanie Kinney and I went to school together, but we didn't become friends until we connected on Facebook. One thing I noticed about Stephanie during high school was her strong presence, even when it was in passing. It wasn't until we connected that I learned about her terminal illness and how courageous she was.
An example of her kind, giving spirit was in January 2013. Prince announced he was performing two shows at the Dakota Jazz Club, and as a single mother of two there was no way I was going to spend 250 for one ticket.
As an avid Prince fan everyone was asking "Are you going?" I wasn't going. So the day the tickets went on sale Stephanie sent me a message asking, "So did you get your tickets?" I told her I didn't, and she said Good because were going to see Prince! She paid our way to see the show.
Stephanie and I went to the show, and had front-row standing. It was a great show, and we both had the time of our lives. Sharing my love for my favorite musician with someone was an experience I'll never forget.
For the next year Stephanie battled her illness with fortitude and resilience, and in May of 2014 she passed away.
Friendship has never been easy for me, and I am grateful that someone was willing to give me the chance to be the friend I always wanted to be to someone. She is missed by all who knew her.
