Many people come into and out of our lives from our childhood well on into adulthood. Some we rarely miss or even remember. There are usually a few who do not even matter.
I can say that there is one person who came into my life exactly a year ago that will live in my heart and my memory forever.
When I applied for the job that I now have, Phyllis was the one who called to set up my interview. The day that I met her, we clicked. She interviewed me and it was as though she were trying to sell the job to me, rather than try and have me sell myself to her and this position.
She always said that I was just like them and that is why they wanted me there.
Within a very short time, I bonded and grew to love my 3 co-workers. Phyllis was our 'leader' and the other two girls in our office, Susan and Denise, quickly became like my family. I was the 4th musketeer of the group. The one they had finally found that fit in with them and completed them as whole.
This past summer you may remember that I took a trip to Florida with a co-worker and her family and mine. That co-worker was Phyllis. We had an awesome time, and we enjoyed attending conferences daily.
This past Saturday, Phyllis passed away suddenly and without any warning. An autopsy revealed that she had lung cancer that had spread into her liver. Nobody can comprehend how someone who was so alive and happy and healthy could be gone so quickly. Someone who never even knew that she was dying.
Left behind to grieve for this 43 year old woman, are her husband, her 17 year old son and 5 year old twin daughters. Not to mention, everyone in this small community that we live in who had ever met her and just could not help but love her.
They say that everything happens for a reason. I know that I will never understand, and neither will anyone else, what the reason for Phyllis' passing was, but I do know one thing. She came in to my life for a purpose. She made a difference, she brightened my day and she always, always, always made me smile and laugh.
We will miss you forever, my friend!
13 comments:
I am so sorry to hear this news!
My thoughts are with Phyllis' loved ones and with you!
{{{ gentle hugs }}}
I am so sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you.
I am so sorry for your loss. {{hugs}}
That is a wonderful story and even better memorial to your friend. You were blessed to have had her.
That is horrible! And withsuch young kids! I am sorry for your loss!
I recall your posts about that trip and any reader could sense the genuine affection you had for your co-worker, whomever she was at that time. I'm very sorry that this news hit so suddenly and without a period to cope and smile one last time. I hope that you find comfort with your other friends who knew her so well. You're in our thoughts.
Is life so much bigger than us? Isn't it amazing though the richness we have in each other?
You are so right recognising the richness in your friend. How fortunate her family is to have friends who were close enough and will be able to love them in her place.
So sorry for your loss. My thoughts are with all of you.
Oh Amy, I am so sorry for your loss but so glad that Phyllis was there to make a difference in your life. Unbelievable that she never even knew she was sick.
Justine :o /
Oh, Amy...
I have the biggest lump in my throat. I'm so sorry for your loss. I will now pray for sweet Phyllis and her precious family...
oh Amy, so sorry for your loss. Sending warm thoughts and prayers for you and her family.
Debbie
How inspirational! Great post.And I love your blog!
Life can be so incomprehensible at times. I feel for you and Phyllis's loved ones. Sorrow is a painful journey.
You have such wonderful memories of an amazing woman and you are lucky for that.
Glad to find you from SITS.
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