The Perez family is one of those special families that impacts you forever.
I first met Ajia, and the rest of the Perez family back in 2014 when I decided to join their Bible study group known as salt. We spent a couple of good years together every Tuesday night in the media room of their house diving into the word of God, teenage drama and forming deep lasting friendships. Many of the people in that group are still very good friends of ours today. I say ours, I met my now husband in that small group. We met in their media room, so clearly this family was destined to be in my life, as well as my husband Noah's.
Throughout those many Tuesday nights, I had the pleasure of being a friend and sister in christ to Ajia. She was a deeply talented, smart, funny girl who always had questions about the world, about life, about everything. She was this cooler larger than life person talented at everything she touched- her and her brother Tony are so talented at music. Ajia had a beautiful voice. I remember hearing her sing at numerous summer camp talent shows and retreats. She was never shy to show off her talent.
While I haven't talked to Ajia in a number of years, time & distance do that, her family has remained very close to me and noah and Fatima even spoke at our wedding.
My heart broke when I found out the news Monday morning. I also struggle with mental health and knowing this disease has claimed another soul is heart wrenching. But, as we where believers, my soul is rest assured that Ajia is in no pain, suffering or sadness. Her earthly battle might be finished but the victory has always been in Jesus.
Ajia, I will deeply miss your spirit. There was nobody else in this world like you. There will never be another "Ajia" and my advocacy for mental health will shine brighter in your name as well. Rest easy old friend, until we meet again. Oh what a day it will be 🩷💔
