This last week was 8 years since my dear friend Tami passed away. We met in 9th grade when we were cheerleaders at rival schools and became instant friends. After our sophomore year in high school, we both tried out and made the drill team. We had a ball. She had one of those crazy fun personalities that drew people to her. You couldn't help but love her. We spent great times together like spring breaks in St. George, drill team and concert choir trips to L.A. and Florida, dated best friends for awhile, became the team choreographers during our Senior year. I could post about a billion pics, but am too tired to pull them all out tonight.
A couple months after we graduated Skyline, she was involved in a rollover that left her a quadriplegic. It was devastating to all of us. But through it all, she was as positive as it came. I worked for her for 2 summers when I was in college, basically assisting her in all things and getting her to therapy. In those 2 summers, she only broke down crying about her situation twice. I would have been a basket case.
I watched her make a lot of hard choices in her life, both before and after the accident. She did end up getting married and had a little girl. In 2002, she died in a heartbreaking way that I don't like to talk about. But I remember her often. I ended up moving into her neighborhood 3 years before she died, and I do not believe that was by chance. I had a lot to learn from her.
(me and her in Florida in 1992)
I have been a wee bit stressed in my life since Macy came. I am so glad for my beautiful daughter, but 4 kids has done me in. Add a business to run, a husband in the bishopric, and a child with an ASD, I feel depressed and sick on a daily basis. (sorry...I'm unloading a bit tonight...really, I'm fine). Tami has been on my mind a lot this week, and I'm so glad I had her example in my life. She was so positive with her life. She had more to deal with physically, spiritually, and domestically than I can even imagine. I saw her in situations that were unreal, but she dealt with the world and her trials in an inspiring way that I need to emulate.
So, eight years later, I'm still missing her, but definitely trying to be more like her. Friends like her were few and far between!
15 comments:
Liz, I totally remember you! How did you find my blog?? Better yet, how do you know Jimmy? I didn't realize that you knew him too! E-mail me with the details, and how Anne is doing! I haven't been in touch with her!
What a great tribute and amazing lesson to remember. I've heard stories about Tami from other people in the ward, but I didn't know that you two were friends before her accident. We are all so lucky to have such amazing examples in our lives. Thank you for sharing!
p.s. You ARE amazing! I know it can feel like you don't know which end is up, but you are always so together and happy even in the face of everything that you have to deal with. Thanks for being my example!
What a great post -- I really needed some perspective to start off a new week! Some fun pictures, and what an amazing friend you were to here as well!
I needed this post today. What an amazing girl and so darling. You were both lucky to have each other.
I take so much for granted and worry about really trivial stuff. What a great example. Thanks for this post.
Thank you for the post. It's always good to be reminded that no matter what challenges or circumstances we find ourselves in, we can choose how to handle them.
I remember Tami too, I think I only met her once maybe. You were a huge source of strength for her too, I'm sure.
Feel better. In 2 months we'll be relaxing in California sans children...
This was a beautiful post. What a precious friendship you two had. How sad that she passed away so young. She sounds like such a strong, positive woman. Stories like hers make the resurrection more meaningful and wonderful.
I always felt lucky to know Tami through you... I remember being with her a few different times (especially at your wedding) and what an amazing person she was. Thanks for the reminder.
Liz-That was beautiful. I am sure Tami feels your love and knows your stuggles. What an amazing friend you are. Tami is the sweetest person ever. She is as lucky to have you be part of her life as you are to have her.
Hang in there! Life is tough and some days it feels like you will never make it to the end. You are strong and such a wonderful example to me (and to Madie. I owe you so much for not turning your back on her like so many did. She needed someone like you to show her that she did have some worth.)
Thanks and now I owe you so much!!
Tami was a total and complete sweetheart...just like her best friend. You are amazing, Hon.
Like Stacay and Amy I remember your friend Tami too! And I'm sad to hear about her passing away- even though it was 8 years ago I don't think I knew. But you did a incredible tribute to her. Thanks.
Thank you Liz... what an uplifting tribute to friends that make a difference! You are great!
You two look so beautiful and I bet she feels the exact same way about you! Best friends make all the difference. Thanks for all you do for everyone!
Great tribute to a dear friend. I'm sure you were blessing to each other.
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