Caitlin had many, many friends in her short time here. But, even at the risk of slighting some of them, my recollection is that there were five that she was particularly close to. In alphabetical order; Ashley, Dalmy, Megan, Melissa and Sarah are the ones that always come to my mind as the ones she (and, by default, we) spent the most time with.
And, since she's been gone, they were the ones that Diane, and, ultimately me, spent the most time around. They're all very sweet, and I consider them among my favorite people on. the. planet. I think at one point or another I've told them all that I love them like they're my own.
And if I haven't, shame on me, because I do.
And, as I thought about this little gem-in-the-making, other life moments would pop up occasionally. For instance, random social media postings from one or more of the girls regarding random life moments. Or, a reminder of one of the girls birthdays popping up (shout out to Mel!). Or, a Holiday greeting card (because I forgot to give Sarah my new address) that showed up 6 weeks after Christmas. Or, a social media post from the son of one of the guys I've worked with for the last 20+ years relating how his Dad always told him if there was ever a time the son (or the son's friends) was too impaired to drive, the Dad would come pick him up, no questions asked and how the son would do the same should he ever have kids.
Or, the email notification I got this morning from the Illinois Department of Corrections letting me know the drunk that killed Caitlin was released from his most recent DUI arrest and conviction.
Happy Tuesday.
But instead of me venting about that, let's go back to happy.
Megan, I can't tell you how much it means to me that you sent me that "Save The Date". I'm not ashamed to admit I teared up when I saw it. And I'm somewhat regretting writing this at the local coffeehouse because I can feel the tears welling up again as I write this. Let me put this out there too, I understand budget constraints, and if you need to trim the list when the date comes, I still love you (all five of you) forever and wish you and your new Hub all life's happiness.
Insert smiley emoticon here > <
Dalmy, I'm so glad I got to meet your other half (Jon with no "h" right?)(or is there an "h"? Jesus I should remember that) and Mel, I'll always feel like I should've put more effort into getting down for your and Yas's wedding. I was thrilled you two thought enough of me to share the day. I let other "issues" get in the way and I shouldn't have.
I look at the beautiful, happy, intelligent and successful young women you've all become and, while I obviously can't take any credit for that, I feel so proud of and happy for all of you. You ladies, whether you realize it or not, have brought us (and by "us" I mean "me") so many happy moments and wonderful memories, and you will all forever be an instant smile on my face.
PS, I hope the rest of you don't expect posts on your birthdays, I don't know if I can handle that kind of pressure... But I'll try.
Hearts.
And
Peace.
PSS, I wanted the girls to have editorial approval before this went online. This is the end of our conversation after they all approved... This is one of the many reasons I love these girls.
Wow Joel! That made me happy cry. The truth is-and I think this goes for all the girls- you're just as big of a part of our lives as we are to yours. We love you long time! And don't sweat Mexico one bit, that makes me feel bad. You, Diane, and Caitlin were there with us in spirit, I know it, I felt it. Besides most of us got major diarrhea. So you kind of dodged that bullet.
LOLOLOL, ok I just got weird looks at the coffeehouse because I literally lol’d!!!
True story - you truly bond with your friends when you are on a boat in Mexico passing a puke bucket
I wish it were a lie but it's not. That's 100 percent factual.
Omg!! It wasn't even a puke bucket - it was a fish guts bucket
I still haven't been back on a boat due to that. Post traumatic stress disorder from that boat ride.
