.059 Marissa Guerrero

Marissa is basically the human version of a hug. Just being in her orbit makes you feel better, more loved, more appreciated, and seen. I met her after months and months of build up and hype since she’s one of my boyfriend’s closest friends, and when the moment finally arrived (in London, I might add), she lived up to the hype, and more. In fact, I felt an instant connection to her, as if we had been friends since high school. There was just an immediate understanding of each other, which I credit to her unwavering compassion and empathy.

Over the last few years, I’ve been able to see just how beautiful Marissa is, inside and out. She is a true rock to her friends, someone you can trust and rely on without question. She’s whip-smart and always willing to engage in the most in-depth or silly conversations. She listens with intent and doesn’t just wait for you to finish so she can share a story — she is present, there to hear what you have to say, to ask questions, and to remember. Marissa is deeply kind, always looking out for the overlooked and eager to help in any way she can. On top of all of this, she’s funny as hell and can make anyone or group bust out laughing. She’s what I would describe as the textbook definition of the friend you’d want in life, only better than that definition, because she brings her own flavor and personality into everything she does.

Marissa, thank you for being such a wonderful friend and joy to Ale, to myself, and to everyone you surround yourself with. Just your name has the power to bring a smile to the faces of anyone who knows you. Thank you for being so generous with your time, energy and respect and for living your life as an example of how to treat one another. I’m so grateful for you and our friendship, and I’m so grateful we could visit you in the UK, that you could come here, and for all of our future visits (when this crazy world is calmer again). Thank you for being a gorgeous human being and for always seeing the positive side in life. Thank you, above all, for being you.

-BD