My childhood best friend, Jan, called this morning. I suspected something was wrong as we had just talked a few weeks earlier. Her voice sounded calm, though, so I calmed down. Jan and I grew up in Chillicothe on the same street and spent years (and to this date) as very close friends. I loved spending time at her house as a kid. Her mom, Dorothy (the puzzle lady) always made hot summer days so much fun. Jan has 3 sisters, one of whom I was close to as well. Debbie. Connie was older than Jan and I and her little sister, Polly, didn't come along until we were preteens. Debbie wasn't at all like Jan and me. Where Jan and I were outgoing, looking for things to do and often mischievous Debbie was reserved and shy. She liked to read and hence a straight A student. She was very pretty but I don't think she ever realized her beauty; inside or out.
Suddenly I could hear raw emotion in Jan's voice. Tears.
Debbie's oldest son, Tommy, age 39 was hit head on by another car who crossed the center line. He died at the scene. He leaves behind a wife and son.
Since the death of my nephew, my sister's oldest son, Michael, almost two years ago, Jan knew I could understand her pain as an aunt and as someone who loves their sister very much. I knew also there weren't any words to make her suddenly feel better. I further knew that just as Brenda's life had changed forever, the day Michael died, Debbie will never again be the same. Brenda has explained it to me very simply; there was her life with Michael. Then there was her life after Michael passed away. Two total separate lives. I seriously doubt any parent who has lost a child of any age would feel any different. I cannot begin to comprehend any parent's loss of their child. It's just not the order of life.
Jack and I had the pleasure of spending some time with Tommy a few years ago. He loved his mother, that was very evident. He was an exceptionally nice young man. He will be missed, I'm sure, by everyone that knew him. They are an extremely close knit family. I wish I could remember the exact number but I believe it to be close to 35. That's the number of children, grandchildren and great grandchildren that come to Grandma Dorothy's house for Christmas. And at 81 years old she stills buys a little something for each one. Tommy's empty seat this Christmas will be felt by all. Of that I have no doubt.
A journal written about life, retirement and our journey throughout the United States in a 5th wheel, along with our two Shih Tzus, Tanner and Syndey. Written not for notoriety but for our sons, family and friends, so they know where we are at any given time. And particularly for ourselves. Finally, we get to slow down and smell the roses and we don't want to forget any of it. You are welcome to join us as we go 'Down the Road a Piece'.
