You've Got a Friend...

My journey through grief did not start on October 9, 2007 when Steve left us.  The real journey began 7/21/2003 when Steve was involved in a very serious motorcycle accident in which he sustained, among other things a TBI - traumatic brain injury.  That is another story.  This story is not about the accident but about friendship and people we can count on.

Within 24 hours of notifying Nancy of Steve's accident she was on her way here from South Carolina, she dropped her life and came.  She came to help in whatever way she could.  Todd and Maddie were 10 and 7 when the accident occurred.  Steve was very, very seriously injured and lucky to have survived and was in Albany Medical Center's SICU.  Todd and Maddie spent the first week after the accident with their second family, the Murphy's at Silver Bay.  Nancy got me.  She spent her time at the hospital with me and her nights helping me settle down and relax.  Nancy ran interference for me with phone calls.  She updated everyone on progress or lack of progress...saving me countless repetitions.  She laughed with me, told me stories, cried with me, kept my chin up and gave me strength.  We did some insane things, as only stress and alcohol can create. Tough times but what got me through was knowing I had friends I could count on.  Nancy stayed for 2 weeks and only left when she knew I could take it.  A routine had been established and I was on autopilot.  

Times were tough but I count myself as blessed.  I have friends who come through, always come through.  Nancy came into my life through Steve....I am blessed to have met her, a gift from Steve.  I don't know what I would have done without her support and care.  Nancy came through again when Steve died....she was here within 24 hours again and went to make the funeral preparations with me.  A daunting task, not to be done alone.  A sad task, planning a final good bye, made easier through friendship.  It was a strange feeling of not wanting to let go of Steve's mortal remains.  Nancy again intercepted the many calls and updated everyone on the "plans".  

I hope that I can someday be that friend to someone.  I have learned so much along my road.....I have known love and kindness in a dark world.  That love and kindness was my beacon, my salvation.

I thank you my dear friend and you know I LOVE YOU MAAAANNNNN !!

"When you're down and troubled                                 

And you need a helping hand
And nothing, nothing is going right
Close your eyes and think of me
And soon I will be there
To brighten up even your darkest night"

.....because I've got a friend.

Day 17 of 365

Seek & Give ..... K