Monelli’s Tribute

Maya is the light of my life. No matter where we were, or how far apart, she’d always find a way to put a smile on my face. I’d like to thank the Anopolsky family for sharing their truly incredible and bright Maya with me - it was a privilege to share this life with her. 

Everyone knew Maya, but you’d be lucky to be apart of her circle of friends - even luckier if she hugged you (she hated hugging). I feel her spirit hugging my soul and watching me day by day. I see her in the fluorescent sky, and in bright pink flowers - I even feel her in the warm, luminescent sun rays. She is with me. No matter where I am, or how far apart. 

I hear her laugh and smell her favorite ’Vanilla’ perfume from Anthropology. She’s so alive in my mind - all the memories we shared made me feel so alive. In a world full of people stuck to their screens and not living in the moment, I can ensure you Maya and I’s relationship was so much more than that. I’m not going to lie and tell you that we weren’t addicted to our phones… but somehow every moment we were together, our phones didn’t exist. 

We cherished each other - like sisters even. We had an endless amount of sleepovers, and each one of them ending with us laughing aimlessly for hours until we literally fell asleep. We watched her favorite movie, The Proposal, nearly every other time. We’d talk about our goals and dreams for our futures and how we’d help each other achieve them. We were each other’s cheerleaders. Out of my 21 years of living, I know that the seven I spent with Maya, were the most fulfilling and exciting. She taught me how to be free. She lived such an infectiously fun life, and spread it to the ones around her. Wherever we’d go, people knew Maya was there. She’d always leave behind her sparkle. 

While these times may feel dark, I am using her passing as a light to lead my life. Maya is my light and she is forever within me. I love you. 

Monelli Esfandiary

June 28, 2024