My Friend, Keiko

My heart is so full of sadness as you are no longer with us. You inspired me and made me realise that anything is possible if you believe. I believe in you my friend. You changed my life path for the better, your inspiration took me to a place that I never thought of going. It is you Keiko who inspired me to go to college to study the sciences and to go on to study Zoology. You were with me in my thoughts the entire time and I thank you for your inspiration. Your plight moved me and your courage amazed me.

I was so luck to have had the chance to see you at the Oregon Coast Aquarium in 1997 during your rehabilitation. I spent two wonderful days with you, which I cherish beyond words. There were times when it was just you and me my friend and it felt so special, like it was just you and me communicating on one level and understanding each other even though we are completely different species. I loved spending time with you. It broke my heart to leave you when I had to return home, but it is those memories that I look back on everyday and remember you with so much love. Thank you for the gift of your life and for what you have changed in mine. You have an amazing spirit Keiko and I know wherever I go in my life you will be with me forever.

I was recently in Norway with my husband visiting the Orcas in the fjords and whilst I was there it gave me a chance to be at peace with you. Even though I know it wasn't at your graveside, I felt your presence there and could almost see you swimming with the other Orcas that we saw that day. Thank you for being with me. The day you passed part of me felt like I had died and I miss you so much my friend, but even though your physical being isn't here you are with me in spirit always. Thank you Keiko for your life and for your inspiration to me and to so many others. I will love you always and I am sure we will meet again some other day my dearest friend.

Love you lots xx

 

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