A Tribute to a Friend

I'm very sad to say that a dear friend of mine, Kristeen McDaniel, passed away yesterday at the young age of 25. While I don't know why or how, one thing I do know is that she was the sweetest, most loving person that I have ever had the honor of knowing.

I cannot emphasize how much Kristeen has influenced me. It's safe to say that there would be no Captain Painway without her. She introduced me to Star Trek. I remember her telling me about this really cool show called Voyager, and how I should start watching it. We were both instant fans.

We would sit in homeroom every Thursday morning and discuss the previous night's episode. Completely ignoring everyone else (and their strange looks), we'd discuss Trek all morning. We were from two different worlds: she was a star basketball player, and I was a nerd in the band, but Star Trek, and a friendship that started in elementary school, brought us together.

We slowly drifted apart as we reached senior year. After graduation we gradually lost contact with each other, as people often do. I truly regret that. The funny thing is, seven years after graduating high school, I can still remember her voice, and the hilarious way she would sigh and roll her eyes when she was tired of my shenanigans.

You will be missed Kristeen. I love you. Peace.