I met Kat when she was a freshman and I was a sophomore. We spent lunches and off periods together and talked on the phone for hours outside of school. Then in May 2017, I received the worst news: Kat was in the hospital, and doctors didn’t know if she’d make it.
I couldn’t stop crying. There was nothing that I could do to help Kat, which made me feel awful. Then my mom showed me something she found online—it was a picture of rocks painted with inspirational messages. That’s when it clicked: I could do something for Kat.
I decorated about a dozen rocks with drawings and written prayers. Then I scattered the stones where people would see them, such as around our school and on hiking trails. Somebody found one and posted a picture to Facebook, which spread the word. Before we knew it, even people who didn’t know Kat were painting rocks for her.
Sadly, Kat passed away three weeks after being admitted to the hospital. Some of her other friends painted more rocks for her funeral, and we all took one with us.
It’s been over a year since I lost my friend. I still miss her so much, but the rock decorating project has been a source of comfort while I’ve grieved. It helps me feel better to know that I did something to remember Kat and spread love.”