Taye Nakamura-Koyama

I BELIEVE THAT HOPE SURVIVES, LOVE PREVAILS, TEARS CLEANSE, MEMORIES COMFORT, FAITH SOOTHES, GOOD THOUGHTS REASSURE, AND THAT OUR BELIEF IN A BETTER PLACE CALMS THE HEART.
...I TRULY BELIEVE IN HEAVEN AND I'M SURE WHEN YOU'RE READY TO LOOK YOU WILL SEE SIGNS OF TAYE WITH YOU AS YOU CONTINUE TO HEAL.
   WHEN I LOOK AT THE BEAUTIFUL WEBSITE I CAN SEE WHAT AN AMAZING YOUNG WOMAN TAYE WAS...SHE PACKED MORE IN HER LIFE THAN MOST.

Dear Penny,
  I got the sad news of the loss of Taye from Denise/Mt. B.  No words or actions can ever replace what you have lost, but if it is any solace in a role reversal--Caroline Kennedy once said she wished she'd known her dad; not to be without him for so many years.
  She also said, it was the memories, the special moments we all hold that keeps someone alive in spirit.

Dear Nakamura-Koyama Family,
I'm so very sorry to hear about Taye's passing.  Please know that my thoughts are with you all.

Taye we truly miss you.  We all loved you, and always willl.  I wish I could've seen you one more time...you will always remain in my heart, and our "bestie" group of Anna, Dixie.  I will cherish our friendship forever, and I am honored to have been your friend and date to the prom.

I am so deeply saddened by the loss of Taye.  I am so sorry for your loss.  Every change I got (and there were not enough of them) I told Taye how amazing she was.  I only got to see her shine with her art, but I knew she was an accomplished athlete as well.  But only speaking as an artist and an art teacher, I would tell her she was more amazing than she realized.  I wish she realized it.  As an artist and teacher, Taye humbled me to point where I realized there was truely nothing that I could teach her about art and creativity.  She had more talent in her short life than many can wish for and work for in an entire career.  And it all flowed through her naturally, uninhibited, freely and beautifully.  I remember feeling so encouraged by Taye's positive message and the word "HOPE" that was emphasized in her chalk art drawing.  I wanted to take a picture of the artist in action, which I did!  In which she said, "But I don't have make-up on."  It's okay Taye, you're perfect.

Dear Penny, Hal, Westin & Kiki,

After having just seen you at the Takasugi Reunion, it was a shock to hear of Taye's passing.  I can't imagine how hard it must be to lose a child.  Our sincere condolences to you and your family.   I'm sorry we weren't able to attend the memorial service.  You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Love,

Cousin Rex & Joyce 

"The mountains are fountains, not only of river and fertile soil, but of men.  Therefore, shall we feel that in some sense we are all mountaineers and going to the mountains is going home."
~John Muir
    Taye we found a burial spot we think you'd approve of; straight views to The Grand.
I wish we didn't have to buy the plot at all, but I think Kiki and Weston were right, it didn't feel right to bury you in Bend.  You needed to come home to Wyoming.  This is Grandpa Nakamura's birth state, and he would want you here.  Now he can really teach you how to fly fish the heavenly waters of the Snake.

It seems to be a reoccuring number, 16. I hear it everywhere in Israel. Especially with those Jewish boys who were found dead in the field that were only 16. We had an hour long conversation on those boys. Sad. Family. Crisis. 16. 

I get it. I'm not being rational. But an entire country is going up in flames of rage over the 16 years old boys. Every mention of the word makes me angry. MY sister was only 16. She just turned 16. 

During the conversation when everybody else was reflecting on how they felt, and the enormous consequences of this event, my eyes began to water. I was so furious. I almost walked out of the room. MY sister was only 16, I just wanted to say that. 

But I didn't want to make anyone feel uncomfortable...

That's the thing. People have began asking me here if I have any siblings. I start out with the classic, enthusiastic, "yeah", but then remember. 

These things happen to other people. David Sedaris people. I remember reading his obituary for his sister in the New York Post a number of years ago. It seemed harsh at the time, but when he had this problem he just excluded his sister from the number count. I understand now. 

I will forever be talking about my 16 year old sister. The girl who found immortality in her age. And when I'm 30 people won't understand. 

No matter how much pain is caused bringing up my sister she will always be a part of the number count. Even if it does make people so uncomfortble I become a pariah.  

The world has stopped for me, but not for everyone else. The true friends who have stuck by my side have slowed down for me and listened to the goliath amount of pain I writh in when other people talk about their sisters, especially their "little sisters".

One of my good friends here is 16. The hardest part though is that her older sister is 19. It shouldn't be this hard. 

Some of the staff here are like, "I can't believe there are 16 year olds here, that is so young." Young, young, young.

It causes me pain when people try to be considerate. It causes me pain when people try to act like nothing happened. It causes me pain when people try to empathize by comparing the death of my sister to the death of a grandparent or someone who was not a younger sibling.  It causes me pain to be alive. The world keeps moving, but I am frozen in time a day after my sister is 16.

Dear Penny, Harol, Westin, and Kiki,
I am deeply saddened by the news that your lovely daughter Taye has died. This is just an incomprehensible loss for your family. I hope you are able to take some time to grieve and find ways to cope.  If you are home this summer we would love to see you guys. Call me anytime,
Ian

Dearest Penny, Hal ,Weston and KiKi,
     Our deepest condolences to you and your family.  Our thoughts and prayers are with you.  Such a bright beautiful young lady who had so much to offer.  All those who were graced with her presence will remember her as a spunk free spirit and will remember her always.