Krista Thompson epitomizes pureness, from our days back at Gunston, up to her passing. She was a kind hearted, and at the same time, self spoken young lady. She was always for helping other people. I specifically remember my first day at Gunston elementary school. I hadn't spoken to anyone all day being the new kid. Mind you, I was also only in the 3rd grade. Krista, who was in the 4th grade, was in the same lunch period as I was. She saw me siting at a table by myself, and she got up from her table and went to go sit down right next to me. We chatted throughout the entire lunch peiod, and at the end I said to her, "maybe this school isn't going to be so bad after all. She just smiled and gave me a noogie, and then walked me to class. For the first time that day, I didn't feel left out. She had that effect on people. I also remember her on a couple of occasions eaching me to swim at Pohick Bay pool when i barely could. She was also the one who pushed me to join the Hayfield Swim and Dive team, which I am still on today. For the rest of my days, I will never meet someone as nice and as kindhearted as she was. When I first was informed of her passing, I cried until I couldnt cry anymore. Then I remembered her strength and I knew she wouldnt have wanted anyone crying over her. She would have wanted us to remember the good things about her, and also the way she helped so many people, including me. So as we near the one year anniversary of her passing, I ask that instead of crying, we all remember the good things about her and rejoice her life, not mourn it. Losing someone as amazing as she was will never get easy, and I cant even begin to imagine her family's heartache whatsoever. In the beginning of my post, I said that Krista Thompson epitomizes pureness. Some may wonder why I didn't say that she epitomized pureness. I don't look at her as being in the past, because I believe that she still lives on in all of us who remember her for who she was. And I can bet that in the heavens above, Krista Thompson is still looking down on us, sort of like a guardian angel. Krista, if you can see this, I really hope that you are flashing that beautiful smile of yours. We love you and we miss you. May you Forever Rest In Peace.

~Ibrahim Konare~