Monday, February 23, 2009

A roast beef sandwich and a friendship

This is going to be a little long so beware. When I was 16 years old, I tried out for the softball team. I had really loved baseball as a kid, but it got harder when I was the only girl and I got tired of the boys trying to hit me with pitches. As I grew older, sports teams got very clique-y and I, being quiet and shy, found it hard to try out when everyone else had already been playing together for years. But with some nudging from a wonderful coach, I plucked up the courage to try out and made the varsity team. Because I was the "new kid", it was hard to feel like a part of the team and I was sort of excluded from the regular team camaraderie. One day, my mom brought me a roast beef sandwich. It was a cold day and I was on the bench waiting for my chance to play. I sat down next to a girl who was 3 years younger and was our "team manager", but whom I had never talked to because like me, she seemed shy and quiet. Somehow a blanket found its way to us and we shared it. And then, I offered her half of my sandwich. That was all it took; we became friends quickly as we watched the game and talked and laughed together. Throughout high school and most of college, we stayed in touch, though each of us went our separate ways in life. She came to visit me at Cortland and on my breaks, I would hang out with her. Life went on but we always found our way back to each other somehow. Yesterday, my friend died while waiting for a heart transplant. She was 26 years old. I don't question why, I don't ask what if. I just wonder how it's possible that in life, something as simple as a roast beef sandwich and a blanket can grow into such a deep friendship and a deep love. Isn't God wonderful that he does that for us? Isn't He amazing that He brings the simplest things into our lives and gives us glimpses of their beauty?

I wish you all could have known Kim...she was funny and smart and even though she was always sick, she was strong. She loved basketball and kids and oatmeal cookie dough ice cream (which I don't think they make anymore, but wish they did). Mostly, she just loved being around the people she cared about. Mostly, I think that she just wanted people not to hurt inside. Kim, my dear friend, I'm glad you no longer have to worry about hurting. I'm glad that you no longer have to stay in hospitals and worry about infections and have all those surgeries. But I'm going to miss you so much! Be at peace, friend.

6 comments:

Bridget said...

oh jayme i am so sorry for your loss!
my sympathies are with you.
another reminder to treasure the ones you love while you can.

Linda said...

What a wonderfully written post. I'm so sorry to hear about your friend. It's true, though, that the most unlikely "things/occurrences" can forge lasting bonds. Scripture says, "Fear not to entertain strangers, for you may be entertaining angels unawares". I guess you found your "angel" with a roast beef sandwich and a blanket. I hope you can accept the Lord's comfort at this time.

Unknown said...

hey im sorry to hear (read) about your friend, but your right it is nice to know that, that person is no longer hurting. I love the picture it looks like a small shrine to her nice job

Unknown said...

hi I am sorry to read about your loss. I hope that you are holding up well in the greeving period at this time. Our thoughts are with you. I love the pics.

Framing Images and Memories said...

Megan said it well..tough day for you and all those close. This was a nice tribute to Kim and the long lasting friendship you will always have, although from a different place, is the real tribute. The candle will burn on. Hang in there. P.S. I just noticed, the word I have to type for verification is peace..ironic

trishalyn said...

Jayme, I am so very sorry for your loss...and ashamed of my "whining" yesterday when you were suffering so. What a beautiful tribute to your friend!!! The picture of the two of you is so sweet. Is that a drawing? Would love to know more about it. Thank you for sharing. Please take care.

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