Spent a good deal of time in the car recently. Podcasts help pass the miles. When I got tired of them, we turned on songs that were popular back in high school. Nothing brings back memories better than music. Memories always lead to reflections. Reflections was the name of the 1970 one hit wonder by the band called Marmalade. Knowing that, would make my dear friend Ron proud. (More on songs in a bit) The end of the calendar year also is a time for reflections.
2025 was a year of drama, trauma, recovery and loss. Not by me, but by those who are in my life or have crossed paths with me over the years.
My 95 year old mother tripped over her vacuum cord, refused medical care until it was too late, and ended up with three surgeries and three weeks in the hospital. Probably the most gruesome wound I’ve ever seen. It’s incredible she kept her leg and her life. Prayer, an amazing surgeon and magnificent health care providers made the difference. She has been banned from vacuuming anymore.
Besides that major event I found way too many people showing up in the local obituaries. Part of that is my age. I’m older than I feel. Co-workers and former co-workers, neighbors, new friends and old friends. Doesn’t seem right, but its reality.
Seals and Croft played on the car radio. “We may never pass this way again.” So true.
Right before Thanksgiving I received a text letting me know a former classmate had unexpectedly passed away. I hadn’t stayed connected to this lady. Frankly, our paths never crossed. My former neighbor hadn’t stayed in touch either. We both had a connection years ago. For many years, my neighbor was a cheerleader with this lady. I was involved with Student Government with her. Fortunately, my neighbor reconnected with this sweet lady two years ago. They corresponded a few times and met in person a few months before her passing. Her name was Mary.
Like the 1998 movie, there was “Something about Mary” that made her special. She was always smiling. She had that cute smile that matched her twinkling eyes. She loved all sports. Very likely because she came from a sports family. Her dad was a successful long-time college football coach. She was a two sport cheerleader, but since baseball didn’t have cheerleaders she came up with the idea of being a “Bat Girl.” She had a jersey with her name on the back and she knew what she was doing in her role. Of course none of the guys cared she sat on the bench with the rest of us. I have no doubt they jockeyed for the seat next to Mary. She was always a positive force for any group she was part of.
My former neighbor, (who by the way is as beautiful of a person on the inside as she is on the outside) lamented to me how sad she was that so many years had gone by without keeping in touch with Mary. I told her life happens. Miles are not always ribbons to tie us together. They are often coupled with many other things that keep friends apart.
The silver lining I shared was indeed they had reconnected two years ago. The enjoyed time together in person just months before Mary passed.
“Precious and few are the moments we two can share” came across the radio speaker. So true. “Climax” had been spot on.
I too wish I had visited with Mary at some point over the last 50 years. I also wish I could recall and reflect on more memories of our school days.
Over the years I have given many presentations and talks. I doubt audience members will remember what I told them. But what I really wanted was for each to remember how I made them feel.
And so it is with me and Mary. I may not remember specifics, but I do remember how Mary made me feel. I felt joy and happiness being around Mary. She was always positive. Mary ran for two student government roles (that I remember). She won both elections. Mary was a winner. She was married for 50 years and had two terrific sons. She left a legacy and a glowing ripple effect on those who knew her.
My neighbor told me she thinks of Mary as a star in our heavenly sky. As I reflect on her shimmering blonde hair and her million dollar smile I think that is a shining description of a life well lived and a legacy for others to reflect on with their own smiles.
Until next time….