There are people on this site who are friends, some good friends, some not so good friends, some we know by first name only and have one thing in common (ch) but we call them friends anyway.

Then there are those friends in our “real” lives. Some good, some not so good. Some stay, some go. Some are distant vague memories, some we cherish and hold precious in our hearts, even when life circumstances take us apart.

On Thursday, I happened to be in Prince William County for a building permit. Darryl went with me and we drove all around Dale City and Manassas for permits and engineering plans. As we traveled about, we passed where I used to live, drove right past my old neighborhood. I gave it a sideways glance and shared stories (again!) of my time there, time with my best friend Jean. I laughed and remembered and told him the goofy stuff we did and pointed out locations of the places in the stories.

Jeanie was my true friend, one of those “cherished” friends.  I was right there on Thursday, only 2 streets away. I could have stopped and said hi. But I didn’t. I was on the clock and had to get back to Tappahannock. When I got home I could’ve called, but I didn’t. Darryl had a dr’s appt and then dinner needed fixing and the work the next day to prepare for.

ONE DAY LATER, on Friday, Jeanie and her son Jim, my son Harry’s childhood playmate were killed in their home.

My reason for telling y’all this:   Those people YOU cherish… pick up a pen and write them. Pick up the phone and call them. Time and distance shouldn’t matter. Dirty dishes and baking cookies and vacuuming don’t matter.  Take that moment to TELL THEM what they mean to you and how they matter in your life and how special they are.  Don’t let that one day later happen to you too.


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Thank you for your care and concern. That means a lot to me.  Jeanie was my friend and I loved her. Please keep Rick, Sarah, Conner, Liam and the Smith and Maloney (Jean's family) families in your prayers.

Jen

Excellent post, Jen! :'(

OH Jen - I'm so sorry for your loss :'(

Hugs
Carol

I'm sorry to hear that Jen. :'( Thanks for the reminder, I will put the advice to good use, starting today!

Jimmers

My Heart breaks for you sis.  Please know I'm here to cry to.

Pegg

So sorry Jen. :'(

I think we are all guilty of this, me included. :-[

I am going to do something about that right now, I am calling my Mom for starts. :)

Good to see you! 8-)

What a tragic loss.

You are so right about keeping contact with friends.  It only takes a minute or two to make a call or write a note or card.

Sorry for your loss.
                                       JPC

Sorry for your loss Jen  :'(

This is such a good reminder to always make the time for the people that we love.

Im so sorry sweetie  :'(

Dear Jen:

I am so sorry for your loss and I will remember your advice.

Ray

I am so sorry for your loss :'( :'(

My condolences to you...  :-/ ((HUG))

I'm sorry to hear about your loss, Jen.

Best wishes,

George

Oh wow. My deepest sympathies with you. I just the news during the half of the Redskin's game. That is a tragic, tragic story.

My wife and I send prayers your way.

my condolences.......thanks for the timely reminder of well, time, and those that we should be sharing it with

Turts

Sorry for you Jen. Rats.

Great post though.

My condolences.

Charlie

Jenn... Have I told you that I love you lately?

I was digging through the attic the other day looking for something and discovered a forgotten box of photos and some family history stuff.

Some of the photos were from before I was born... but I could tell you who was in them, where the pics were taken, and a little bit about the people even if they had passed before I was born.

My mother saw to it that the loved ones and family were remembered after they passed and brought them to life through the endless stories she shared with us.

I felt as though some of these folks were so much a part of my life even though we had never met. I felt a little sad when I saw their photos.

I became a little melancholy after seeing glimpses of my loved ones who have died or are slipping away... yet I had such an overwhelming wave of warmth wash over me... I realized that my mother was able to do what science has failed for so many years... in her very simple way she was able to restore life and introduce those who had past to a whole new generation.

She loved them enough to remember them, to share her recollections of them. Sometimes all we have left to do in a relationship is pass on the love.

with warm regards,
Tony

Jen,

I'm so sorry for you loss, what a terrible tragedy!
That post is a great reminder to us all, thank you.

Sanna

I'm sorry, Jen.  This is so sad. :'(

Keeping you, the family and all who knew and loved them in our prayers.

Much Love,
Jackie

So sorry for your loss, Jenn.

Truer words were never spoken.

debs

I'm sorry that you are hurting Jen.  I will remember your advice, there are too many stories like that.
Lisa

I am so, so sorry for your loss.  That was a beautiful post.  My thoughts are with Jeanie, her family, and all who loved those that were taken too young.   [smiley=heart.gif]

Laurie

Thanks for sharing in spite of your pain.  Praying for you, and their family.

Jerry