From the time I first meet Larisa, she always had those warm brown eyes, and great infectious laugh. She was always so ready to listen and help no matter the situation. I remember Larisa much like an older sister. Whenever I had a hard time in math class, Larisa to the rescue with her books. Whenever I break down at the age of 12(?) that mom didn't let me wear makeup, Larisa to the rescue with her kind and understanding words. When I got sick at school, she would drop everything, come pick me up, and bring me back to her house. She would feed me, and give me a whole bunch of vitamins and supplements to help me get better, and only then would she take me home. Whenever, I expressed and interest in becoming a chef, she would clean her kitchen of all her cooking books that she had and let me use them, not to mention would order dinner so I could try my hand at being in the kitchen (I love her so much for this!) She empowered me behind all my goals. I know that if I wanted to become an astronaut, she would be behind me. I remember Larisa buying my sister and I a huge aquarium for my tiny goldfish just because,....for no reason, and from a kid's perspective she way SO AWESOME! She did not need a special occasion to make someone feel special. And when special occasions did take place she when all out to makes up feel super special like buying me a shiny red bike that I wanted so bad for Christmas, but my parents could not afford at the time. She loved seeing us grin ear to ear with happiness. She knew how to help someone, and how to give advice, and was careful to never hurt anyone's feeling. She was truly a beautiful person from the inside and out. I remember speaking to Larisa a couple months before everyone found out that she had cancer. She spoke to me about God and how she once again found God, I remember listening to her and getting choked up on the other side of the phone talking about God's grace and love in a way I've never expected to hear. I keep all her memories and advice she has given me near to my heart. I know that in the passing of her life she has shown to not be sad, but to be happy because she is now with God and having everlasting life. I miss you so much Larisa!