Amy and Erica, Jeff‘s wife and daughter, drove to Huntsville for spring break. I was fortunate enough to have dinner with them last Tuesday night.
Erica was a toddler last time I saw her. As you can see, she’s now nearly free of her chrysalis. Her parents are two of the comeliest people I’ve ever known, so no surprise she’s beautiful.
I expected to enjoy the time spent with them, as well as Jeffery, Melanie, Melissa, and Mike—other people who knew Jeff as I did. It was even so much more fulfilling than I anticipated. More than once during the day I’d catch myself idly thinking I was actually going to see Jeff that night, and how much I was looking forward to it.
And he was there. I remember things he said and did that are only fully real if I retell them to and with people who also knew him. It was such a blessing to get that opportunity, and to receive others’ similar anecdotes. Frankly, it also made me realize how much of a mistake I made not making the trip to Bowling Green for his funeral.
Special things happen for special people. Erica made silicone gel bracelets to honor her father, and I’m privileged to have one. I will treasure it. It will always enjoy a prominent place among my favorite things.
While I remain sad for Jeff’s family, I’m heartened after spending time with Amy and Erica. They have begun to marshal the energy for a Chapter 2 that was unexpected and unwelcome, but has nonetheless arrived and must be addressed.
My confidence that they will succeed brings me the most peace I’ve yet felt about this.
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