Rasiyah was my neighbor in middle school, and we clicked instantly and became best friends. One of my favorite memories of us was walking around door to door asking for snacks for a food drive donation. The snacks were definitely for us and I remember we asked for cookies, chips, etc. and ended up disappointingly splitting up our haul of tuna, rice, and some canned vegetables. I ended up moving all the way to Wisconsin and Rasiyah was the only friend from down here I kept in contact with through the years. 2 months before she passed I messaged her that I wanted to come visit and dance around to Justin Bieber like we were in 7th grade again. It doesn’t feel fair that it never happened. I’ve since moved back to Florida and started my own family, and my heart aches thinking about how much fun we could be having. How our kids could be growing up together. Rasiyah was an amazing friend, even from 1,500 miles away.

Rasiyah, I love and miss you like crazy. I think about you every single day and you will never be forgotten. Thank you for all you did for me. I love you!!!

Keri

I've always been by myself not really able to make friends but Rasiyah came into my life when I was about 15 and she was 14 because our mothers were friends and we instantly clicked. She was the funniest person I've ever met and she was also the smartest (I'm not joking she had a high IQ). I think about Xuri and my heart hurts... I know that Rasiyah didn't want to leave her, she never wanted to be a memory. Rasiyah loved Xuri with all of her heart. I remember when we had an exciting conversation about how we were raising our babies together(Elias & Yuri) and it breaks my heart that she won't be here to witness it because I know that she wanted to so badly like we planned. It's December 25th and I still cry thinking about her because I miss her so much. She was a light in my life during dark times.... we were soul sisters. I've been going through a lot of life changes and in moments like these we would speak to each other and help ease each others minds. I miss her more than I've missed anyone before and I can only pray and hope that I can have a connection like this again in my lifetime. I love you Rasiyah and I'll never forget you. I can't wait to see you again in heaven.

 With all my love,  Essence.