I’ve been staring at a blank word document for quite awhile now. The blinking cursor seems to ask me what I’m going to say, wants to know if it will be enough to ease the ache of so many. I don’t know if I have that power, but I do know that you were one of the most radiant souls I’ve ever met and though you deserve more than words on a screen, this is the best way I know how to tell you how much you are loved. 

You are my sister, a concept I didn’t really believe in at first. How can 200 girls, who begin as strangers, suddenly become sisters?  But now I understand because you can feel it when you walk into a room. You can feel the immediate acceptance and undying support that only family can provide. Chi Omega has given me the most diverse, talented, and beautiful family I could ever ask for, and without you Mary we are anything but whole. 

The outpouring of love in light of your passing has shown me that your reach and power extends far beyond what anyone could imagine. Tulane, Chi Omega, and all those that were touched by you mourn the loss of a truly special individual. When we ran to the Chi O house almost a year ago, when we screamed and danced around with glitter on our cheeks, I never would have imagined a world without you in it. You brought light with you wherever you went and not a single soul could imagine being around you without a smile on their face. I love that your smile is your legacy. Your sisters smile today because you did every day. 

I have never been more proud to be a Chi Omega. The sisterhood I have found in the yellow house with the red door is one that is unparalleled. I know that this is something all “sorority girls say,” but if you’re a member of Rho, you understand and Mary, I know you understand, too. I trust that wherever you are, sweet girl, you know how much love we have for you, and how much love we’ll continue to have for you for the rest of our days. 

There is not a word in existence that can describe the weird feeling between loss and awe that comes in the wake of losing someone as beautiful and wonderful as you, Mary, but I feel so lucky to be able to say I’m your sister—that we took the same oath, read the same symphony, wore the same bid day shirt, and dragged ourselves to every Sunday morning meeting. 

If I could see you again, I would tell you that you are light, that you are not forgotten, and that I hope you have found the greatest peace. Rest in paradise, beautiful.      

“Come bid sweet adieu, 

Chi-O ever after, we'll remember you.”