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I had a wonderful weekend. It was hot and sunny (and mildly oppressive) in Atlanta this past weekend. It really was the first pretty weekend we’ve had in awhile (read: no rain). It was a weekend filled with friends and food and laughter. Toiling in my porch garden and rearranging my room. Equal parts fun and productivity where you look back and think how did I do all of that in one weekend?!?!
After a dinner party at a friend’s house yesterday evening, I made my way home while on the phone with a west coast friend. After we ended our conversation I got ready for bed and decided to check my email before cracking my book open. I received an email from a high school friend bearing the bad news that our mutual friend Joe was killed in car accident last Thursday.
I hadn’t seen Joe in over a year, but I remember the last time I did: our small town has an annual festival every October. Walking along to the parade route to the house where in high school we would watch the parade, I found him there. Hugs and phone numbers were exchanged. He was living in Athens and training to be a chef. On all accounts, life was looking up for Joe and for this I was grateful. You see, a few years prior to this meeting, Joe lost his younger brother in a car accident. They were close. Their family devestated - obviously, because really, what else could they expected to be?
And now I can’t help but think of Joe’s poor parents. Having lost both of their sons in the same tragic manner. My heart aches for them. I wish I could unburden some of their pain, but it doesn’t work that way. The lump in my throat is so large it hurts.
This isn’t a touch of grey – it’s full on blue.
Rest in peace, Joe. I’ll always remember cruising aroud town in your Pathfinder listening to Lil’ Kim and Outkast. The all important lesson you taught me at the pool party when you told me not to worry about spilling vodka on my jeans because it didn’t have a smell. Too many tequila shots – sorry for getting so sick! The brick you and Will signed with your football numbers – I still have it at my parents’ house. Good-bye, my friend. Thank you for making my world a happier place to live in.
