Wednesday, May 28, 2008

Loss for words


I have been trying to write this post for about 3 days. I am just at a loss for words. That beautiful woman that you see is my friend Aaron. We have been internet pals for over 2 years. We met when she was in the midst of a personal tragedy. I thought I could help her through it, and while I think I did do that, in the end she helped me more than she will ever know. Even though she lived 2 states away I was lucky enough to spend a little bit of time with her in person. What an amazing spirit! Through email, phone calls and in person visits, I came to love this vivacious, fun, and intelligent woman. She was amazing and she did things that I was/am too scared to do (like finish college while raising babies). She was incredibly talented and full of life. This woman could do anything.....play the piano and organ, scrap book, sew, paint, cook, teach etc etc etc. She was also the mom to three sweet little boys. You can only imagine how excited I was when she let me know her husband got a job less than 30 min from me! She was just waiting to finish out her first year of teaching before she moved out. Last weekend she finally embarked on her move. Sadly, her journey was cut short when their car was involved in a roll over accident and she was killed. I honestly still cannot believe it. Twenty-five year old mothers of three young children should not die.....ever. It seems so unfair that this incredible person's life was cut short. It is unfathomable that three little boys will have to grow up without their mother. I am just unspeakably sad, and I miss my friend. I hope she knew that even though I wasn't always great about keeping in touch, her friendship meant a lot to me, and I was so excited to spend time with her. She could light up a room, even with an email. I hope her boys will always know just how much their mom loved and adored them. I loved that in the midst of extraordinary mischief Aaron always thought to get out the camera. I can't help but smile when I think about pictures of Ben and Sam covered in flour, or all three of them caked in mud. Even when at the end of her rope, she saw the humor, and took a picture. Aaron- I will miss those emails and blog posts. I will miss your bright smile and encouraging words. I will miss the play dates, girls nights out, and crafty days we had planned. I have told you before that you inspire me. That hasn't changed. Your life may have been short, but it was filled with purpose. You left quite a legacy and touched so many lives. I hope at the end of my life I will have accomplished as much. Goodbye friend. I miss you.

14 comments:

Suzanne said...

I am so truly sorry for your loss. Your tribute to her was beautiful. We recently lost a friend of ours to melanoma. He was only 31 and leaves behind a wife and two little boys. You're right, it isn't natural....I will be praying for her family and for yours...

Kim said...

Oh Nicole, how terrible. I am so sorry for you losing your dear friend, and her family losing her also. This must be why you have been on my mind nonstop for the last 3 days. I seriously keep wanting to call, but the time is never right.
I wish I could give you a big hug in person and listen to you tell me all about your friend. ((((hugs)))))

Natalie said...

Nicole that was beautiful!!! I am sorry that you lost your friend...I wish I was there to help...I love you!!!!

Janessa @ Treasure Hunting Mommy said...

Nicole- Thank you for your message on my blog! I don't mind at all. It's comforting to know someone understands how I'm feeling. I wanted you to know that you meant a lot to Aaron. I have an email that she sent me telling me about her great friend Nicole that she had been able to meet IRL. You're a sweet friend and I know you're keeping in contact with Krista. If she needs any help on the Missouri side of things, let me know. Thank you for your words.

Lynsey said...

Nic-that is a beautiful tribute! I'm so sorry for the loss of such a wonderful friend. You've been on my mind since I heard the news. HUGS!

Lisa R.D. said...

I'm so sorry to hear about this tragedy--even more so because she was your friend. I loved your tribute to her--I feel like you captured who she was and we are all better for knowing a bit about her. My thoughts are with you and her other friends and family members.

Karley said...

Nicole, I am so sorry for you. In the summer of 2006, I lost two friends within 6 weeks. Each leaving behind children. I know how your heart is breaking. How grateful that you had her friendship. Treasure your conversations. You and Aaron's family will be in my prayers. Love you!

Lynnette said...

Nicole, she was lucky to have such a great friend! She was such a beautiful woman with so much love, energy, compassion & talents to share. My thoughts and prayers have been with her family and close friends all week.

mushbelly said...

I am so incredibly sorry Nicole. What a terrible tragedy.

eliasinlondon said...

Oh Nicole, I am so sorry about your friend. That is so horrible and incomprehensible. You wrote beautifully about her. Big hug to you.

The Jatens said...

I so sorry for your loss. Nothing is harder than saying goodbye to a relative or friend. I wish I was their to give you a hug.

Janessa @ Treasure Hunting Mommy said...

Hi Nicole- Just checking in to see how the funeral was on Saturday? I'm going to the memorial on Wedesday. Hope to hear from you! :) Janessa

The Jatens said...

Glad to hear that you are getting a vacation. They really are good for you. That's crazy that Caitlin is coming back. I never thought she would, she was so unhappy there. Crazy how things look better after time. Hope all things are well with you and your family. Stay in touch.

Carrie said...

I read this earlier, but my connection dropped when I tried to comment.

I just wanted to comment that I thought your tribute was beautifully written Nicole. I can tell you were an amazing friend to her, and it says so much about a person when they can touch your life forever, as I'm sure she did yours. I'm so deeply sorry for the loss of your friend Nic.