What feels like a million years ago, I worked at a newspaper called The Prince George Free Press. During my time there as the office manager, I developed good friendships, a few that still exist to this day, despite the frequency that people tend to move on in the newspaper industry. During my time there I became acquainted with an intern reporter named Michelle Lang. She was beautiful, had a smile that could light up a room, bright and funny. Her dedication to work was phenomenal, as she was often working well after everyone else had left for the day. I tended to work a lot of overtime myself, so I often witnessed this dedication.
As time went on, we both moved on to new challenges and places. Last year, we caught up on Facebook and I was so happy to see her happy and thriving in Calgary.
On Monday afternoon, I was watching some mindless program( I am on holidays lol) and was somewhat dozing on the couch as Emmy was napping in the other room. I was somewhat aware of my program being interrupted by a breaking news report. A moment later, I was fully alert as the reported announced that a reporter had been killed in Afghanistan while covering the war for the Calgary Herald. The reporter said Michelle Lang was killed when a make-shift explosive device had exploded killing her and 4 soldiers. I ran to my computer, desperately hoping and praying that I had heard the name wrong, that it was another Michelle Lang, anything but what my gut was telling me was true. Unfortunately, my quest for proof that it was not her was unsuccessful. She had died earlier that day. Grief overwhelmed me and I cried, as I have many times since then as reports are frequent and always bring tears to my eyes.
I greive with her family and friends. I grieve with her fiancee. I grieve for the 4 soldiers lost in the same blast.
Rest in Peace, Michele. I will miss you. Heaven is just a bit brighter with your smiling face up there.
