Don’t forget to say “I Love You!”

 

That is my word of advice to you today! I love every one of you who will take the time to read this today. It’s not my usual blog. Thanks for indulging me.

The past week has been a tough one for people I know and love. However, I’d like to focus on my friend, Julie. She was a classmate of mine and a neighborhood friend for at least 45 years. We rode the school bus together and we ran into each other on Halloween nights…her parents gave away full-size candy bars AND a “prize” like a smiley face or peace sign button or a small squirt gun.

Julie had the most beautiful long, wavy red hair. Even as she got older, the red was still quite visible as the gray hair started to make its way into her waves. She never did anything to get attention, but when she was in the room, you knew she was there…every one near her was laughing!

My friend, Julie, was killed by a hit & run driver last week on her way home from work. She was riding a moped, with a helmet, less then three or four miles from home…her family home that is just two blocks away from my family home. She was 62 years old.

It was a senseless accident and it has left her brother, the only survivor of her immediate family. His life is forever changed and for no good reason. The driver has still not been arrested. I’m in disbelief of how someone can race through a red stoplight, slam into a person on a moped, and not stop. The news from Julie’s family is that his car must surely be nearly undriveable after knowing about Julie’s condition. I pray that someone who knows this person will get him to turn himself in. They find comfort in knowing she probably had no idea of what happened.

Julie’s sister-in-law said to me, “Most people have closure after a funeral. I’m not sure we ever will.”

Julie and I had talked about getting together after covid restrictions were lifted. We were going to catch up after me being away from home for so many years. She was reading my blog and ALWAYS sent a short note of kindness when she read the posts. Sadly, I never made that happy hour happen. I know Julie would say…”No regrets Lisa!”

Her funeral will be held on Saturday and I know it will be a full house. She had a long work history in the medical field and you all know how my classmates support one another. I will be out of town at a wedding…celebrating two young lives joining one another on the incredible journey of marriage. I felt conflicted but again, I know Julie would be telling me to “Celebrate Lisa!”

My brother (he went to school with Julie’s brother) and I went to the house to drop off a card and took a chance to knock on the door in hopes of sharing our sympathies with them personally.

They did open the door and we spent nearly 30 minutes sharing memories of our childhood days and some of Julie’s witty antics. It was so great. I then let them know that although I wouldn’t be at the funeral, I would be sending my love and would be there in spirit. They hugged me and said, “You know that’s what Julie would want you to do!”

As we left the house, and got into the car, we realized that the visit had done more for our spirits than for theirs. Pretty bad when the grief-stricken family makes you feel better!

I think the visit was something we all needed and I’m so glad I took the chance.

Today, I am reminded that life is unpredictable and precious. None of us knows what tomorrow will bring. I do know that I will be with friends at a wedding this weekend. I will hug people and remind them that I love them as we part ways. It’s easy to do…don’t let it “slip your mind!”