Even as the sun shines for some, the day ends for others.

[takarakanashi.livejournal.com]

I find it my duty not only as one of four mods of hogwartsishome, but as a friend, a sister, and a student, to inform you all of a sad event that has befallen one of our community's former members. For those who have been here for awhile, you may know who I am speaking about (you may even have been close to her), and for those who haven't... please feel free to read and remember with us.

tigersalamander passed away on Christmas Day. Nina was my little sister, my protege' in many ways. I'm sure that many of you who did know Nina would have wanted to be able to say goodbye, however, I just found out tonight. I'll have you guys know a few things about Nina.

Nina was a bright, bold young girl... a Gryffinclaw to the very core... at times too brash for her own good, and at times too smart for her own good, which is often a very lethal combination. She was more a leader than a follower, stronger than anyone I had the fortunate circumstance to know, and more able than many. Nina was both blessed and cursed with a very fatal form of cancer, called Juvenile Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia. When she found out what exactly she had... the revelation came with a 20% chance of living through October 2006. She didn't make it more than two months later.

Nina was, as I said, one of the strongest people I've ever had grace my presence. I got to talk to her on the phone once. Nina was a hilariously funny Jewish French girl, with a beatiful French accent and the most witty way of saying things. Whenever we'd talk, we'd talk about the third sister in our trio, Juppy, aka giove_dea, and instead of pronouncing the 'J' in Juppy, she would waltz right through it.

The last thing that I really learned about Nina was that she never wanted to be treated like an invalid or a cancer patient. That was what she loved about hogwartsishome in her heyday. She could be herself, regardless of how cocky, funny, or loving that was. Nina was bluntly honest to a fault, but it made her ever so much more respectful to me, because she wasn't about to water things down. And she loved this community.

I know that in Goblet of Fire, Dumbledore graces the students of Hogwarts with a stirring speech about Cedric Diggory, about how he was good and kind, and unfairly taken from the students' midst because he strayed across the wrong path. Instead of trying to compound that... let me borrow a bit, with my own small twist. Nina was a good and kind person... with her own strength that radiated from her into others. She knew the demon she was fighting, and she knew that she didn't have much of a chance. Yet, through it all, she still LIVED. She was still honest. Yeah... Remember Nina. Be honest, strong, and brave... because she was... and she faced so much more.

Rest in Peace, tigersalamander, aka Nina Cohen.

April 14, 1989 - December 25, 2005


Feel free to post here with any comments about what you remember about Nina, want others to remember... whatever. This is our memorial to you, Ninny... wherever you are, Little Sis, I hope you're watching.

P.S.: I know there are a few former members reading this... I wanted to extend a hand of friendship and a shoulder to lean on... because I know that EVERYONE lost someone in this... not just us... not just you guys... and if you want to comment to this post, please let me know at takarak84@aol.com. I'd be more than happy to allow it.

Comments

[industrikitty.livejournal.com]

I didn't know her, but my heart goes out to her family, friends, and anyone who is touched my her passing.

Death is not an end, but a journey into a new adventure.

If anyone needs someone to talk to, my AIM is industrikitty.

[flustered.livejournal.com]

I know the pain of death, but she is not in pain anymore. I feel for her family, friends, and fellow HiH members. Hugs help the pain.

*Hugs*

[guest-age.livejournal.com]

Having just joined, I never met Nina, but your words have touched my heart. I'm so very sorry for her passing. My heart and prayers go out to her family both in real life and her second family here in the community.

[psychominias.livejournal.com]

Heh, She's Jewish, and she died on Jesus' birthday. Well, she'll have life with Him, as he is "The life, the truth, and the way" Too bad she couldn't have gotten to Channakah as well.
Well, she's in a better place now... away from Harry Potter, lol

[takarakanashi.livejournal.com]

LOL... you're so silly, Chris... thank you for commenting though. You made me smile... just imagining the heart palpitations that Nina had when she found out whose birthday she died on... poor thing. I almost pity those angels.

[psychominias.livejournal.com]

That's why I think you tell me all your sad things, lol, cause of my Ability to make you smile, no matter what...

[cherrysk8fan.livejournal.com]

Nina was a wonderful, hilarious, creative, intelligent, positive person, in the little bit of time that I knew her. There were some fun AIM chats planning firstie threads over in NP (if anyone ever ran into Alie, that was her character, mischievous little Gryffindor that she was, too), and even after she left HiH, we still chatted once in a while over the most random stuff, like how awesome hedgehogs and salamanders are. She wrote a thesis of a length I can't even imagine, and just...so intelligent.

Nina's also the one who told me about the ice rink in the Eiffel Tower, and when I go to France and skate on it one day (as I decided and immediately told her was going on my list of life's dreams), I'll remember her.

My thoughts and much, much love are with her family, and with our family here at HiH and beyond. Miss you, Nina.

[giove-dea.livejournal.com]

I just wanted to add something to the little memorial, and then my name can be put on the ban_set list again.


Nina was a friend to everyone. She didn't care what house they were in, what background they came from, or anything else about them. She often wished that she would be something more then a Gryffindor, but those that know her, know that she earned that title the moment she stepped foot in this community. Those that remember her wonderful little entry and the bit of drama that happened from her deleting comments to her application, should know that she just oozed Gryff.
She was always talking about how she was my BIT (bitch in training) and how she would one day make me proud and become a Slytherin.
She was the best, most caring person you could ever meet and would always try to cheer you up. She cared for everyone before herself and was the least selfish person I know.
She was a very bright girl, loved to learn, loved school, loved music, and loved reading. We'd sit for hours on AIM chatting about the various books we had read and all the places we would go when she got well.

Nina touched many people and those that remember her will remember her strength and determination. She never gave up hope and refused to let anyone feel sorry for her. She was the most beautiful person I know, and she will remain in my heart forever.

TakaraKanashi: lol... three different people. three vastly different beliefs.
TakaraKanashi: how did we ever get along?
TakaraKanashi: :D
GoddessJuppy: who knows... we learned from each other, found faith in each other... Sometimes that bond is enough to withstand anything

Little one, you will be missed and your other sister and I are still planning on going to Paris in your memory.

[takarakanashi.livejournal.com]

[01:49] TakaraKanashi: i honestly don't think i can cry
[01:49] TakaraKanashi: i have so much faith in the lord... that he's taking care of her
[01:49] TakaraKanashi: mikey said that she's walking with him
[01:49] goddessjuppy: yeah...
[01:49] TakaraKanashi: i know... call me crazy... but i know god's there.
[01:49] TakaraKanashi: he sent me wonderful people like you guys
[01:50] goddessjuppy: ::hugs::


That part was definitely owed attention as well. :D

[coaltrain-613.livejournal.com]

I only knew her for a brief time on an occasional chat or two either here or at hogsmeade but the time I spent talking to her i knew she was friendly and quite smart individual. I send out my prayers and love vibes to her family and I'm so proud of this commnutity and hogwarts_rising for telling us in a most honorable and repectful way ::sheds a tear:: thats why I love it here at hogwartsishome♥

[takarakanashi.livejournal.com]

Any member of this community, past or present, is owed the same respect... which is why I'm letting any past/banned member post to this post. And being that she was my sister, I received the honor of posting this. I would have nothing less, honestly. But, Neeley, I'm glad that this held up to your expectations. We love you here too. :D

[zentraedi-shep.livejournal.com]

I have sadly to admit that I don't really remeber her, except for the drama of her application. Well, it seems like the four houses of HiH have yet to unite far more. On the other hand, I've been on hiatus for several months, so I could just have missed her active time...

Nonetheless, my thoughts and feelings go out to her family and friends. It is a shame, that a prospering young life is wasted at only 16 in such a tragical way...

~ Walter//Hufflepuff ~

[takarakanashi.livejournal.com]

Yeah... you missed a lot, but that's okay... thank you.

[psychater.livejournal.com]

I don't know her, but my heart goes out to everyone affected by this.

[ainu-laire.livejournal.com]

I talked with her a couple times when I was not lurking, and I found her to be a delightful and cheerful person to talk to. If I had known that she was to be taken away so quickly from the world, I would have talked with her so much more, and now regret that I did not.

Even though I did not talk with her much, one could easily see that she was bright and intelligent. It is eerie to think that she was only 8 months older than me. She was so young, yet her personality and cheerfulness touched many people, both in her RL and online, I'm sure.

She is in God's hands now, and has a very special place with Him.

Rest in peace, Nina.

[sffl.livejournal.com]

Wow, I heard about this earlier today.. it's so shocking and sad, even though I didn't know her all that well.

RIP. :(

[aquidis.livejournal.com]

*hugs*

[crucioveritas.livejournal.com]

Death is only the beginning for most, so some religions believe..

My heart goes out to their survivors..

[crucioveritas.livejournal.com]

HER not their

[sofiaagapao.livejournal.com]

As Dumbledore says, it is only the beginning of the next great adventure...

[maegwin-of-hern.livejournal.com]

I'm sorry.

[ohthatisbadnews.livejournal.com]

I feel for her family, friends, and those who were close to her. But, I do not feel for her, because she has no more pain, no more hospital visits, and no more worries. She will be remembered. I think I was here a few weeks before she left, and, yes, she was a very special girl. Im sure she is in a better place now.

Rest In Peace Nina.

[karinablack.livejournal.com]

x2

[bartendersgirl.livejournal.com]

Nina was a great girl. She was in Gryff with me. I know the first time I was in a Gryff chat with her, she was a blast!!! I'll miss her I know that. Even after she left HIH, we still kept in touch.

Nina was a sweet, wonderful girl.

RIP Nina. You will be greatly missed, even though you are in a better place with no pain.

[bend-my-spoon.livejournal.com]

oh wow...I remember her...wow:( I'm so sorry

[theweezerlover9.livejournal.com]

I didn't know her, since I'm new, but that's so sad, and my heart goes out to everyone who knew her.

[prettyveela.livejournal.com]

*holds up Goblet* To Nina.

RIP hon. :(

[orignalbatgirl.livejournal.com]

I didn't know her. I wish I did, she sounds amazing.

What broke my heart, she is 10 days older than me. My age. 16.

May God protect her and keep her.

[sarahgonecrazy.livejournal.com]

I didn't know her...but she sounds like such a strong and amazing girl. It's painful to think that someone who's only a year younger could die...but she's in a much better place now.

and she died on Christmas and the start of Hanukkah...an amazing combination that's only proven by the people who were touched by her.

[chorusgirl.livejournal.com]

I didn't know her, as many of us didn't, but I wish I had. My best wishes are with her, wherever she is.

[lumy12.livejournal.com]

Just saw the post in her journal as well... can't help but cry. She was a wonderful person, she befriended me when I was new here and I've missed her at HiH since she left but we still would chat in AIM... I kept praying for a miracle but I guess God needed another angel.

Rest in peace, Nina. You are already so very missed.

[wicked-bella.livejournal.com]

I spoke to her a few times on here, and she was a wonderful person. Rest In Peace.

[nox-lumos.livejournal.com]

I remember her from my beginings here, and everything that I remember was how kind she was, how open. We should all strive to live our lives as fully as she did, and with such an open heart. Everything in me goes out to those who loved her. She is dearly missed, and we wont forget her. And in that, may she always live.

[line-of-lights.livejournal.com]

I'm new, and thus saying, I never knew her.

But her friendship toward everyone who previously commented speaks for how wonderful she must have been, and what a loss it was for me to have not met her.

Hugs to all...

[sofiaagapao.livejournal.com]

This is a bit more religious in flavor than I would like, but it's a poem that I've always liked, and I thought it would be appropriate to post here:


A Special Bouquet

The angel was arranging the Lord's upper room,
in the window of heaven where pretty flowers bloom.
The angel said, "Lord better take heed,
in this vacant spot another flower we need."
The Lord looked over and said right away,
go down to Earth and get a flower for my bouquet.
The angel was off in a whisk of a sigh,
looking for buds that gleamed and shined.
For some reason, they were not the right kind.
When suddenly there stood a flower so ruby and fair
"this is the one" the angel said the Lord wants up there.
So he snapped it up quickly, this flower to gain,
for he didn't want it to feel any pain.
Then away they went back to the Master's Land,
the angel leading the flower, they walked hand in hand.
"Here is your flower, Lord," the angel was sighing,
"But I left the other flowers down there crying."
For they were heartbroken so at this hour,
I hope you know they loved this flower.
Then the Lord turned around, he said, "I have all the power,
I'll send new strength to those dear broken flowers.
My spirit shall call them as they honor me,
then come glad morning, blossoms they'll glee."
And as time goes on, their sorrows will grow dimmer.
Deep wounds will heal, and their flower they'll remember.
They know the Lord giveth and taketh away.
And the Lord needed this flower for His special bouquet.

Author Unknown

Re: Hugs to all...

[takarakanashi.livejournal.com]

Sofia.... omg... that's beautiful.... I think I might post that in my journal!

Re: Hugs to all...

[sofiaagapao.livejournal.com]

*smiles* I'm glad you enjoyed it.

Re: Hugs to all...

[ladykuroda.livejournal.com]

That is such an incredibly touching poem... thank you for sharing it. I think I will share it, also.

Nina sounded like a wonderful person.... I wish I had known her.

I wish peace to her family and friends. May time heal your wounds, for they will heal. Each day will get a little bit easier. And from time to time, it'll sneak up on you, but don't be surprised by that.

For we cannot know joy without sadness.

*HUGS*

[orangebaroness.livejournal.com]

I remember her. She was very active. It's going to be weird not having her around.
Hugs and kisses to her family and friends.
♥

[musicaltwin07.livejournal.com]

I didn't know her but she sounds like a great person. I'm sorry to those of you who knew and loved her. I offer you my condolences.

[bel-mulderleia.livejournal.com]

I remember her... and I am very sorry.

[beansomatic.livejournal.com]

I should've known her better. I hope those that were close to her get through the hard times, there's always better ones waiting.

[sweetgarbage.livejournal.com]

My heart goes out to everyone who was touched by her.

[weemumlessmngrl.livejournal.com]

Wow. I am so sorry to everyone who lost a trusted friend and confidante. I know Nina and I had quite the uh.. hate-hate relationship, but despite it all, I respected her. She really was the most utterly honest person I've really ever come in contact with here, and I knew that when she said something, it wasn't just to be bitter or mean - it was because she felt it, and was absolutely sure that it was the thing she needed to say. There were many things that I could say about her that I wish I could only think about myself. And, as funny as it feels to say it, I think I'll miss hearing her talk to/about me in that way that only she could. ;)

My sincerest sympathies to all of you who befriended her and were loved in return.

[chaqchuqa.livejournal.com]