This is the eulogy I wrote for my best friend. Well, this is awkward—seeing everybody here like this. On behalf of the family and myself, we are beyond appreciative for all of the support and condolences offered during this difficult time.
Seeing all of Morgan’s army combined under one roof today, physically and in spirit, is an exclamation of how many lives she’s managed to touch during her short time here Earthside. Who else could unite so many different people? My biggest concern about today was “how are we going to fit so many people in one place”?
For many of us, including me, this is the worst day of our lives—and it feels insurmountable. How will we get through this?
How can we get through the rest of our lives without her?
I often ask myself the same thing about how she managed to stay so strong and optimistic throughout her cancer journey, despite her pain, and I feel so much relief knowing that the pain we’re feeling now has ended hers.
And how lucky are we to be here in the presence of others who shared such a Godly love?
For those who don’t know me, my name is Katie. I’ve been best friends with Morgan and Melissa now for 15 years. I’ve known them longer than I haven’t, and I consider them my sisters. I’ve had the honor and privilege of navigating some of the best and worst parts of both Morgan and Melissa’s lives, as they have mine.
When Morgan was rediagnosed in 2019, I began bracing myself for this moment. A lot happened behind the scenes in Morgan’s cancer journey, truly demonstrating her faith and strength, which in and of itself is nothing short of a miracle. However, she never liked the spotlight, and any attention she did receive she would turn to praise God or to raise awareness for her condition.
People know a lot about Morgan through the lens of cancer, but I want to share some things about her you may or may not know.
Her favorite color was teal blue and that was often an identifier used to differentiate her and Melissa. Morgan was blue and Melissa was pink or purple. I think it’ll be a little harder to mix them up now.
Morgan loved animals, especially llamas and corgis. She loved most of God’s creatures, but not the creepy crawlies.
She loved Disney, Harry Potter, Mortal Instruments, Lord of the Rings and so many musicals.
She went to school for graphic design and always wanted to do more with it, but often felt her work wasn’t good enough. Morgan was a lazy perfectionist.
She loved a good glass of wine with her Mother in Law Kelly, and was bummed when she had to cut that out for her treatments.
She was a people pleaser to a fault, and one of the hardest workers I know. Always busy.
She remembered birthdays.
She LOVED pasta.
All of the stories she told were way too long and had too many tangents, and she’d often forget the point at the end, but life is about the journey not the destination.
Dance was Morgan’s life. Whether as student or as a teacher, Morgan’s dance family was a continuous support for her, and it gave her a sense of normalcy I knew she wanted so badly. One of Melissa’s favorite quotes says it perfectly, “Dancers are the athletes of God.” Choreography, mentoring, self expression, and the freedom that comes from dancing were driving forces in Morgan’s want to get better. She wanted to be there for the kids because they always made her so proud and she didn’t want to let them down. A majority of her lifelong connections stem from dance; including her friend Sarah who has given Morgan so many amazing opportunities and memories through the years.
Morgan loved to play DND with Clarence’s friends who quickly became her own. When she was in the hospital, I got her a panther stuffed animal because it was super soft, without remembering that Morgan’s pet and companion in the game was a panther named Melina. Playing DND with the guys was something she looked forward to often.
She also loved film. Going to the movies with her dad and sister was “their thing”. I know she cherished every time she got to go, whether or not the movie was bad. Except for the time they saw Skyline, and they walked out mid movie.
For me, Morgan saved my life many times. She’s always cheered me on and grounded me when life felt out of hand. She was my safe place. I’ve never laughed harder with anyone else. Morgan was a God-tier person—few and far between and a true loss to humanity. Morgan, thank you for giving me faith and for loving me as much as I love you.
All of this doesn’t even begin to touch on Morgan’s dearest memories with her family, Clarence, classmates, theater friends, church group, or coworkers.
She supported people in so many ways just by being herself.
It’s been a blessing to be by Morgan’s side, in life and in death. As we’ve always promised, “Come What May”.
Rest easy Morgan, and take care.
Now, let us begin the celebration of Morgan’s life.
Thank you.