So today I got a phone call from a friend.
Some of my friends I think of often, but rarely physically talk to. You know how it is--so many things get in the way of staying in contact in a way other than Christmas cards and Facebook. It doesn't mean I don't care, and it also doesn't mean I don't feel some guilt, but life has a way of taking over all my good intentions.
So how is it my post about Karilyn is actually for Vickie? Well, she happens to be another friend with whom I rarely physically speak but am always thinking of and wondering about. So today, we spoke over the phone about our friend Karilyn and the sadness of the news and commiserated about how easy it is to let time slide by until it is too late. We reminisced over some times the three of us had together and concluded that we should take the opportunity to not be such strangers in the future.
I am always happy when I do get to talk to old friends, except sometimes it happens over bad news. Like today. I found out a sweet, dear fried died last week in a car accident. A mother like me. A barely forty-something like me. A daughter whose parents are still alive and having to bury a child. It just is so sad!
So I'll take a second to say: Karilyn--I love you and I'll miss your smiley face whenever I would run into you! No matter what trials seemed to be going on in your life, you had the ability to laugh and move on. I always admired your strength and optimism. You are a beautiful spirit!
Karilyn Farnworth Mehlhoff
1969-2010
I got thinking more about my friend, Vickie. We both went to PG high school but didn't become friends until after graduation. We had some hilarious (translate: don't ask......) times and then both got married and just lost touch. I would hear occasionally of how she was doing from her and mutual friends. She really is a wonderful person and so, so funny! I remembered a time we both watched the Strawberry Days parade with our two oldest children and thought of a picture I had taken. I searched and finally found it:
Look at these little critters! How cute are they? And now they are both going to be Seniors! And Vickie, look at the date--EXACTLY 15 years ago today! How weird is that? Pretty crazy, I'd say. So. Now I will polish off my good intentions and try to do a better job of keeping in touch with old friends. Notice I said try--I do have seven kids after all. And I find them to be a really great excuse for all my slacker tendencies.....
All my old and not-so-old friends: have patience with me. I really do love and care about you all. But I'm still learning so many of life's lessons. Including not taking friends for granted before it's too late.
None of us are guaranteed one more day.
5 comments:
Tammy, I am very sorry to hear about Karilyn...I remember running into her several times with you.
Take care my friend.
Aw, Tammy! That made me cry! I feel really bad that your friend died. Pretend I'm giving you a long hug right now.
And that picture is awesome. Especially since it was the same date! I love that you found it.
Tammy, I love you! You are not a slacker, life is busy and family comes first! I know you love me and I think the world of you! Remember in beauty school when you dyed your eyebrows? I have tears coming out of my eyes from giggling - not giggling at you but giggling at the memory of you looking in the mirror and trying to rub it off! do you remember the day at Von curtis when we went to the rest home to do shampoo sets and coming down the provo/orem hill in your red chevette and talking, laughing and looking forward and seeing our lives flash before eyes as you slammed on the brakes due to the red light? I'm certain Karilyn was in the chevette too. My boys remind me of that story everytime we go down the provo/orem hill. Love you friend. Thanks for posting the adorable pic of Sidney and Cotton.
This old friend thinks you're really neat.
I'm so sorry you've lost your friend. I think, maybe, one day we'll get together with old friends again, and it will be just like when we run into them at the grocery store here. I don't really think death changes all that too much.
Tammy, you are a terrific friend. Moments with you last a lifetime and beyond for others. Karilyn will give you a big hug one day and tell you the same thing. You are goodness at its best.
Oh, and I love the picture of Sid and Cotton.
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