Next Time I'll Try to Make it a Video of My Baby Flopping on Her Face. But this time, it has to be sad. | Do Try This at Home: Next Time I'll Try to Make it a Video of My Baby Flopping on Her Face. But this time, it has to be sad.

Friday, September 21, 2012

Next Time I'll Try to Make it a Video of My Baby Flopping on Her Face. But this time, it has to be sad.

I usually try & keep this a happy blog, but sometimes one of your oldest friends up and dies, and silly seems out of place. I want to call this friend by a fake name because she considered the internet dangerous territory for many, many years. But I don't think I can, so I'll compromise by not posting a picture.

I first met Christine around 1990. I had inherited my cousin's job at the First Interstate Bank when said cousin returned to college. "Does she like beer?" Chris asked my cousin. My cousin turned to me, and I nodded enthusiastically. "I'll take GOOD care of her!" Chris assured us both.

And that she did. Disinclined to return to the world of waitressing, I soaked in Chris's every instruction, such as the fact that staples should be placed neatly and horizontally on the page, not diagonally (Or worse! Willy nilly!) in the corners.

I got a new job and Chris got a new job. Chris got married and I got married. And I got pregnant and Chris got pregnant. This was around 1995, before the days of internet, so we had to resort to faxing each other our ultrasound pictures.

One day I brought my baby in from a walk and heard the phone ringing. I knew something was wrong. And then I heard Chris's husband's voice and knew for certain something was so very wrong. The words, "We lost Julie Anne" didn't make any sense. It couldn't be.

I rushed to Chris's house, wondering even as I drove, "If SIDS got her baby, did that mean it's going to get my baby too?" My head knew SIDS didn't operate that way but my heart knew nothing, not how to help. Not what to do, not what to say.

A friend of my mother's who had also lost a child to crib death perhaps saved our friendship by advising me to concentrate my futile efforts on remembering Julie Anne. There was barely an internet back then and certainly no facebook, so I dialed the phone. But answering the phone would be too hard for Chris for many more years.

"You called her every year for ten years, knowing she wouldn't pick up?" The-Guy asked me last night. "Actually, it was twice a year for ten years, on Julie Anne's birth date and on the anniversary of her death." I answered him.

I may not know how to help a friend in need, but I know how to persevere.

Chris let me know on easier days that she did appreciate the calls. And it made no difference that she didn't pick up, because it took me just as many years to figure out what to say.

By year 11 she began to answer the phone and still, what did I have to offer? That I was thinking of her, that I knew the day must be hard, most of all that I remembered Julie Anne.

In typical Christine fashion, she held true on her promise to take good care of me right up until the last time I saw her at The-Guy and my wedding in 2010. Chris let The-Guy know in no uncertain terms that she had no problem using her gun should he turn out to be anything less than faithful. She assured him that her police officer husband would also use his gun to help protect me. Not every guy is so lucky to find out that "cheating" = "actual death" right on his wedding day.

Two weeks from today, baby Julie Anne would have been 17 years old. And I remember, even though Chris isn't here to remember her to.

So that's my not silly post for the day. Chris, this life was much too short for you or perhaps it felt too long. It could even have been both at the same time. But any way you look at it, you were a great friend.

19 comments:

Beth said...

Oh Jill, I am so sorry, I assume this is the friend you were telling me about? This was a nice tribute to her, she sounds like she had a lot of personality!

The Ceol Mors said...

I am so very sorry Jill. Thinking of you and Chris's family and sending lots of love and light your way.

Margaret said...

Sorry for the loss of your dear friend. How difficult that must be. You wrote a beautiful tribute to her.

Susan Beth said...

So, you've got me in tears here. I am sorry for your loss, and for Chris's loss. You keep on remembering Julie Anne, because that will continue to honor Chris.

Dave C-H said...

Jill, I am so sorry.

Unknown said...

Thank you Jill, Mom and I love what you wrote. You were always a great friend to my sister. Chris used to tell me of your calls each year, but she didn't tell me she didn't answer for 10! I always wondered how y'all met, now I know. :) We love you dearly and will remember Chris and Julie Anne together.

Staci said...

I'm so sorry for your loss. Christine sounds like she was a great friend...

Jill said...

Thanks all & yes, this is the one I was telling you about when we talked on Tuesday Beth.

Annette I'm so glad you don't mind. I tried out using a fake name but it just sounded wrong that way. I'll see you soon.


Nicki said...

Jill, I obviously didn't know Chris - but reading this post certainly made me feel how much she meant to you. My condolences over Chris' passing and prayers for you and her family.

Beth said...

I think when you write a lovely tribute to someone, there is nothing wrong with using their real names, you are honoring her and her child. Again, so sorry, from when we spoke this was very fast and unexpected. Are you still OK with Monday or do you want to change plans?

Jill said...

Thank you Nicki.

And Beth, maybe so on the plans? I'll you a call this afternoon or evening.

Tracie said...

Jill, I am so very sorry for your loss. Many hugs to you.

Tracy said...

So sorry for your loss. You are such a dear friend. Hugs to you and Christine's family.

Slyde said...

very sad to read things like this...

hugs.

Arizaphale said...

That was a wonderful tribute to your friend. Great writing. Tough stuff. Life sucks sometimes. xxxx

Jill said...

Thanks Tracie, Tracy, Slyde & Arizaphale.

Marianne said...

Third time try....I didn't do the robot thing before hitting "publish"
Oh,I'm a troglodyte with this technology, Jill!
You drove me to tears. Am touched that I played any role in your friendship.
Friendship and love are all that count and when we lose them it is so terribly painful..
even though time helps us remember and savor all the good times.
Come visit if you're ever up here! love, marianne

Marianne said...

Third time try....I didn't do the robot thing before hitting "publish"
Oh,I'm a troglodyte with this technology, Jill!
You drove me to tears. Am touched that I played any role in your friendship.
Friendship and love are all that count and when we lose them it is so terribly painful..
even though time helps us remember and savor all the good times.
Come visit if you're ever up here! love, marianne

Marianne said...

Third time try....I didn't do the robot thing before hitting "publish"
Oh,I'm a troglodyte with this technology, Jill!
You drove me to tears. Am touched that I played any role in your friendship.
Friendship and love are all that count and when we lose them it is so terribly painful..
even though time helps us remember and savor all the good times.
Come visit if you're ever up here! love, marianne

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