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Thursday, January 8, 2015

Suddenly Gone

A few days ago I remember thinking that I couldn't wait until Thursday.  My surgery would be behind me and I'd be on the road to recovery.  What I didn't know, is that today;  Thursday;  Would be one of the worst days of my life.

I woke to Mark's phone ringing.  It was Laura.  I figured she was just checking on me.  Instead she said, "I'm at your door."  I knew something was very very wrong.  Mark went to let her in.  I could hear them talking under their breaths at the door.  At that time I was still in extreme pain and really couldn't get anywhere without Mark.  I ended up rolling out of the bed and managed to get to the hall and shouted, "Let her in!"  She came around the corner.  She and I laid in my bed and she held my hand as I begged her to tell me what was wrong.

Our teammate's 43 year old husband died suddenly and unexpectantly in his sleep.

I couldn't believe it.  I didn't want to believe it.

A million things were running through my mind.  My poor poor friend.  Her children.  Her children that I love like my own.  Their families.  Financial responsibilities.  This day will forever change them.

So many questions.  So many concerns.

Laura stayed for nearly an hour.  Then she left to go and be with her.

I was devastated I was not able to go to.  I wanted to be there for my friend.  For her kids.

The only way I could help was to reach out to people that she would want to know…but yet not close enough for her to make personal calls.  So I texted teachers to call me during their preps.  I called friends.  I said those words over and over today.  Until I was numb.

After school we had to tell our children.  They've never known anyone who had passed away.  They asked confirmation their friends' daddy was now in heaven and never coming back.  They sobbed and clung to us.  They had many questions.

Tonight instead of reading we cuddled in the dark and let them ask questions and talked about fun times we had with him.  We pulled up all of our Yogi pics from over the years and we all got excited pointing and saying, "There he is!"  Throwing Christian in the pool.  Huddled with his adorable family all in their bathing suits.

I loved getting to know him.  Loved watching him parent at Yogi.  Loved watching him gently tease Christian about being a messy eater.  Loved texting with him.  Funniest texter ever.  Loved watching him love his wife.  He really was a great guy who will be so deeply missed.