Hana was a pillar of my childhood and adolescence---soccer, basketball, school, clubs, sporting events, nearly every single fond memory of school and sports includes Hana. I don't really remember a time when Hana wasn't there, her laugh, her smile, her instant urge to help others or bring them together. Simple things like passing out or collecting papers, organizing different events to ensure others would have a good time, Hana was always just READY to support and love. Many of the best memories of Hana were during soccer, we played together for club and school. I see flashes of her thick pony tail whipping back and forth as she went down the sidelines---Hana took on the wing spot with relish. I also remember whenever we would do check in with the referees, they would have to go through everyone's player card and announce the name. Inevitably the ref would butcher Hana's name and we collectively as a team would below, "ITS HANA" in correction.
As adults, Hana and I didn't stay in touch but I always felt like the last time I saw her was a few weeks ago--perhaps this is the facade of social media, tricking me into forgetting how many years had passed. Despite Hana not being in my current daily life, my heart breaks that she's not here making the world a better place. You are so beloved, cherished and missed. Thinking of you, Khurram and Candice.
Sending you love and peace,
Kelly Backstrom
Hana was a pillar of my childhood and adolescence---soccer, basketball, school, clubs, sporting events, nearly every single fond memory of school and sports includes Hana. I don't really remember a time when Hana wasn't there, her laugh, her smile, her instant urge to help others or bring them together. Simple things like passing out or collecting papers, organizing different events to ensure others would have a good time, Hana was always just READY to support and love. Many of the best memories of Hana were during soccer, we played together for club and school. I see flashes of her thick pony tail whipping back and forth as she went down the sidelines---Hana took on the wing spot with relish. I also remember whenever we would do check in with the referees, they would have to go through everyone's player card and announce the name. Inevitably the ref would butcher Hana's name and we collectively as a team would below, "ITS HANA" in correction.
As adults, Hana and I didn't stay in touch but I always felt like the last time I saw her was a few weeks ago--perhaps this is the facade of social media, tricking me into forgetting how many years had passed. Despite Hana not being in my current daily life, my heart breaks that she's not here making the world a better place. You are so beloved, cherished and missed. Thinking of you, Khurram and Candice.
Sending you love and peace,
Kelly Backstrom
