Disclaimer: I don't own the Tracys, IR, or the Thunderbirds.

A/N: As with most of my stories, I use personal experiences and this story is no exception. The pain that the Tracys feel in this story mirrors the pain that I'm feeling now. Sam1

Shooting Star

None of us saw it coming. We had no time to prepare ourselves for the inevitable. In our line of work, we knew that one day one of us wouldn't make it. That we'd sacrifice our lives for that of a complete stranger. Yet, we kept going out on calls, saving the lives of those we could and grieving for the ones that we couldn't.

Now as we to say our final goodbyes, I can't help but wonder how we missed the signs and symptoms of your illness. Would we have been able to find a way to save you? All I feel now is a pain so deep and raw. I don't think that I'll be able to smile or laugh again.

"You will because in time you'll remember all the good things we shared."

You were gone before I could really tell you how much you meant to me. I had so much I wanted to say to you.

"I know how much I meant to you because you meant the world to me."

I know we always teased and joked around with each other but did you know for certain how much I loved you?

"Without a doubt I knew you loved me. I was lucky to have been so deeply loved and cared about."

You were supposed to grow old with us. It's not fair that your life blinked out like a shooting star. Filling our lives so briefly with your warmth and caring nature.

"I'm never far from you or the guys. Look to the heavens and know that I'm at peace and watching over you and our brothers."

I promise not to always remember you with tears in my eyes but with a smile and a warm feeling in my soul. For I was lucky to have had you in my life even if it was for too short of a time.

"I'm holding you to that. Remember me as I was…happy and cheeky. I love you."

Standing out on the balcony, I glance up and a bittersweet smile tugs at my lips. "I love you, little brother and I'll never forget you." Had I not glanced up, I'd have missed it…A shooting star.

A/N: In September 2008, lissysue85 and I started a friendship that developed and we "adopted" each other as sisters. I found out today that the young woman I'd come to love and care for had passed away. Kezz, I love you and not a day will go by that I won't remember you. sam1