R+T=TLF
I always think of Robb & Tricia at Christmas.
It was in Sunday School class close to Christmas one year, and people were sharing their favorite Christmas tradition. And Tricia shared her favorite tradition. And we all giggled nervously. It was a good tradition, but we didn't know really how to react. Over the years, I realized that her honest lovestruck response was the only one that stuck with me from that conversation. And even after we all had kids and the traditions had to change somewhat, I remembered that. I always think of them with a smile on Christmas.
Coffee or in my case hot chocolate and a conversation with a friend...Barnes & Noble Starbucks...and I saw Tricia out of the corner of my eye. I am not there often, but I've seen her there more consistently than anyone else. She is a writer...so what better place to run into a friend who writes? I just smiled and said hi. I was in the midst of the conversation I was having.
Was it the 22nd or the 23rd? I woke up thinking of Robb & Tricia...and their tradition. Christmas is around the corner... It made me smile, and I've been a bit melancholy this Christmas time, so it was nice to smile for a minute. I'm still not sure why I've been down...was it the changes at elevation? Was it that a friend made other plans when I opened my heart and invited her to share Christmas with us? Probably both...plus my own brokenness.
And when I saw it posted on facebook, that Robb had died in Tricia's arms...that he was in heaven holding the two little ones they had lost early, and she was here with two precious preschool boys...then the shock and the sadness hit. It doesn't matter that I haven't seen them much in 5 years. It doesn't matter that I didn't know him all that well. What I did know was that he was an amazing husband and dad...but now he was looking in Jesus face. And really, Tricia hasn't left my mind for more than a few minutes since the 23rd. Praying, thinking, letting the melacholy have full sway at times, praying for her & those boys.
And I will always think of Robb & Tricia at Christmas.
posted by Mellifluous @ 12/26/2010 10:21:00 AM
3 comments
3 Comments:
Melissa! My heart really goes out to our friend (and you as well), this story has touched my heart. As Im sure it has many others as well. I love you!And my thoughts and prayers are being sent that way!
My heart goes out to you and your friend. I've had many opportunities over the past year to think about what I would do without my beloved. I honestly don't know how I could go on. I pray that the Lord carries her and you and brings you peace.
Melissa, your words bless me. That was a sacred tradition of ours... one that surely changed as we became parents. ;)
He was a good man, wasn't he? My heart aches with longing for him, for where he is, for dreams lost, and short chapters.
I love you, friend. See you at B & N.
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