10 March 2004
Laura Carlson
Kiki and I became friends through the Drama Department at Regina. We started hanging out her freshman year during Tech Week of "Fiddler on the Roof" when we were both stressed out from rehearsals. Hiding from everyone on the staircase grew us closer, and like so many, I soon felt comfortable enough around Kiki to open up to her. Student directing "Once upon a Mattress" and "No No Nanette" together made me realize how incredible Kiki’s spirit and energy was. Together we laughed, cried, and did our fair share of yelling at the cast when they wouldn’t follow their student directors’ requests.
Down time was always spent eating, dancing and singing to “I’m My Own Grandpa”, and dressing up with whatever hideous costume pieces we could find in the costume room, including a bear suit and some very retro prom dresses.
Although these times became less frequent when Kiki was unable to attend school and rehearsals because of chemotherapy, whenever she was able to come her jokes and sarcasm never failed to make me fall on the floor laughing, and I always ended up in the fetal position.
Her strength and maturity constantly amazed me. One incident always stands out. Her junior year she dressed up as a Magic 8-ball for Halloween. She even painted her head black and wrote an 8 on top. A cast member, unaware of Kiki’s illness, came up to us as we sat backstage. He asked her how she got a swimming cap on that tight to make her head look so smooth, and Kiki said “I’m bald”. He didn’t believe what she was saying, and Kiki explained everything to him factually and with this calm and mature manner that was so powerful.
Watching the way she handled this encounter, it sunk in. Kiki was real. Kiki embodied life in every aspect and this radiated to those she was around. She truly was wise beyond her years. Her laughter, smile, and energy will never fade. I miss you Kiki.