December 17, 2014: There are those old friends that remain in your heart long after you have them in your day-to-day life. My best friend in high school lost her son when he was just eighteen years old. Not too long after, my own son was in a near-fatal accident. I spent a month in Harborview’s ICU, then another six months nursing him as his body slowly healed. It was my own cowardice that kept me from staying in touch with my friend over the years. The dichotomy of one son lost and one son broken absolutely took my breath away. Her 50th birthday … late notice, and I had previous plans. I talked to her mom once, and she said the family would love to see me … catch up … laugh. “Let’s get that scheduled”, I said. More time passed, and then it was too late. Her mom was gone. I wouldn’t ever get the chance to see those bright eyes or hear that distinctive voice. She was a beautiful, loving, patient mother.
Facebook gave me the gift of reconnecting with my friend’s brother and sister. I came to understand her brother’s passion for hockey and his unwavering adoration of his children. And her sister … lover of animals, especially Pit Bulls. Funny … loving – countless friends who spoke of her with such intense fondness. She went in to the hospital a couple of days ago, and she had been on my mind. “She’ll be better soon”, I thought. “I’ll see if I can get in touch with her when she’s out”. She brought so much joy through her obvious love of life. But she passed away last night. Again, I won’t get the opportunity to “get around” to calling. My regrets in life are few, but today I have one more. My heart is broken. Rest well, beautiful girl …