Yesterday (2.17.2010) I buried my friend. A girl that was the same age as me. A woman who was a wife. A mother. She left behind a 7yo daughter. There were so many stories told. So much that was simply put, just Jaime.
I’m sure this isn’t the right way to describe the day, but it was interesting to say the least. Many of us who had grown up together were reunited. I got to see people who I hadn’t seen in 14 (or more) years! See what they look like now (some of them I had trouble recognizing), how many children they have, what they’re doing with their lives. We have a pastor (who presided over the funeral services and did a superb job, I might add). There’s some folks in construction; one in the oil fields, one going back to school to become an architect; Marketing/Management and stay at home moms. Then there’s me, still rodeoing and pursuing horses as my passion.
In talking with my friends, so many of them didn’t remember things that we did to each other- it was specifically evident that all these things we saw as a big deal, things that caused us strife all those many years ago were so trivial- so meaningless in the scheme of things. There were even apologies. I love that good friendships transcend time- it seems that time stands still and you can go years without seeing someone and in a blink of an eye, you’re re-united and you pick up where you left off. To me it’s a sign of security- of realizing that you love/liked/enjoyed this person’s company and what may/or may not have happened 10, 12, or 14 years ago doesn’t matter. What does matter is that you are still around to enjoy this life. To make the most of every minute, which is what our friend Jaime did.
I was thinking on my way home how if I’d known at 17 what I know now, life would have been so much easier. But you know what? I wouldn’t appreciate that knowledge. I think that if you’ve got half a brain you realize that with knowledge and age and experience comes wisdom. My friend Brandi and I discussed the fact that an 18 year old boy really has nothing good on his mind when he’s interested in a 16 year old girl! What business does he have with her? At 16, of course you think it’s cool that an 18 year old boy is interested in us, and our parents are just so old and so uncool because they’re not cool with it; rightly so. And now, we’re concerned about it. Funny how time and perspective and age change things.
Yesterday was good for me, not because we said goodbye to someone that was too young to die, but because it renewed me. Because each day we get to live is a gift from God. We aren’t guaranteed tomorrow, so we should make the most of each day. So I will ask each of you to remind me of that when I get down on myself, or get in the dumps about something. And I will try to do the same for you. We can’t forget that This Moment, is our life.
How very True, no matter how tough life gets, we need to remember that we are alive & able to make the most of another day. Love your song, it’s gorgeous, look forward to hearing more.
Keep Smiling.
What a sad day. It makes you stronger…
Oh, Jen, I’m so very sorry. How awful. So young and to leave a child behind.
How lovely that you were able to celebrate her life with so many old friends this way.
I love this song. It’ s beautiful. And so true.
Thank you for sharing it. Sending hugs my friend.
I am proud of you, it is sooooo hard for us to loose someone and it is so easy to be upset, frustrated or angry at why and those can be valid feelings, but you matured with it:) You realized quite a few very important things yesterday. I am sure your friend is looking down from heaven smiling at your thoughts and the time y’all got to spend together. Life really is to short and we really do need to live each day for its own, I definetly know there are no guarantees for a tomorrow so thank you for sharing this with us all and you will continue to be in my prayers!!!
Excellent words of wisdom for everyone, whatever their age. I have been out of HS almost fifty years and I was recently talking to some friends while making plans for the big reunion. I was struck by how their personalities were still the same, like you said, we just picked up where we left off, well almost.
Oh my gosh, I am so sorry for your loss. All three of you are beautiful in the picture, but the way you speak of her inside beauty makes the loss even more striking.
That’s a true mark of friendship to be able to pick back up where you left off…those are the ones that will prove to be the best ones in your lifetime!
I read a quote years ago that has been with me ever since. It goes like this;
Make new friends,
Keep the old;
One is silver,
and the other is Gold…
This young lady was your golden friend and will for evermore be young and beautiful in her families heart and yours. Grief is a natural thing that we all have to endure and has many stages. You see, I just buried my precious mother 4 weeks ago. I feel your pain and grief. Nothing could ever take her place nor my memories. Time is our friend…
So sorry to hear about your friend. Life is so precious. Thanks for that reminder. I am glad you were able to connect with some old friends and find peace in such a sad event.
Thank you for your comment and recommendation on my blog for joint supplements for my horse. I contacted the company you mentioned for a free 7-day trial. I am considering that product and one other, as well!
Thanks for sharing your song, I didn’t know you had musical talent, it’s great!! And I love your cute accent! 🙂
Hang in there!