Life can be unexpected
Today Dezi and I attended the funeral for Lora Biddy. I knew her through her children, but I spent many afternoons at their house. Christi called and let me know on Friday that they were most likely going to make the decision that afternoon. I'd had a rough week, but it makes you realize that a lot of our concerns are really quite petty in the grand scheme of things. On Saturday, Christi called again to let us know what the details were going to be. I did what little I could and called the people I could get a hold of. I felt very small, but it was nice to feel like I could do something.
I was in Boy Scouts with older brother Jon and their father Gerry was one of the Assistant Scout Masters. Sometime in High School I started hanging out with the same crowd Christi was and we gradually grew to be friends. During that process I grew to know Sherry who was a couple of years younger. In fact Sherry and I went to her Senior prom as friends. We went with a large group that included my brother and his date.
Over the last few days I have had time to recall my memories of their mother. She always had a quick wit and a unique sense of humor. She could make a snide remark and you might not catch it for a couple of minutes. I thought it was funny that she would name every fish in their fish tank. And while I never visually confirmed this I was told she would collect animal specimens and store them in the freezer; all in the name of Biology.
I spent time at their house for a variety of reasons, but most of my time with Mrs. Biddy directly was because I had been asked over to work on the family's computer. While many memories get fuzzy with time... there are a few little sparkles that stand out for one reason or another. I remember standing in the kitchen with Christi and her mom watching their Siamese cats Chaos and Mayhem who where aptly named. One of the cats would sit in the computer chair while the other pushed the chair so that the seat would spin. Why certain things stand out I don't know, but that's just one simple moment that I'll carry with me. All of my memories are of a vibrant woman. It's amazing to think that she's won't be around anymore.
The funeral was very nice. I smiled through the whole thing. While I know that's not appropriate the comments and things people said reflected her personality. I think one of my favorite things was from a letter Mrs. Biddy had written to Jon. I'm paraphrasing from memory, but the overall gist is there.
"I want you to know I love you and I will continue to love you even after I am no longer physically present. In fact I'm going to ask if I can share double duty with your guardian angel. It just occurred to me that this thought might terrify you, but don't worry. I promise not to interfere just to be close. And close my eyes at all appropriate times."
So with all that being said... go hug someone and tell them you love them. Treasure the time that you have.
