Saturday, July 30, 2011

In memory.

As you know, one of our close friends was tragically murdered two weeks ago.  I think about BFW daily, and I know she will live on in many of our memories forever.  I want to dedicate this post to all of the happy memories D & I have with BFW.

While I have no pictures, my earliest and best memories with BFW was our first trip to Hilton Head.  I have the best memories of playing Boccee Ball.  I remember sitting on the beach talking about our future...kids, marriage, etc.  I mentioned my love for Snyder's Pretzel Pieces.  I fell in love with them on that first beach trip with BFW.  We made what is now one of my favorite summertime grilled meals on that trip: grilled BBQ chicken, Publix brand potato salad, and grilled corn.  BFW also fostered my love for Paul Simon on that trip.  I remember the four of us, husbands were boyfriends at the time, playing a marathon game of Spades (they always beat us) and listening to Paul Simon and Ben Harper.

Our connection with BFW and her's and her husband's families goes so deep.  We became close with her family when we started tailgating before Georgia games with them.  I have the best memories of some of those times...

 [Me, BFW, & M at one of the most drunken, fun tailgates/games I can remember in 2007]


 [BFW & D; classmates]


 [The original Terrpain wives]

[So in love]

 [BFW & B-rye: Our fav couple to tailgate with]

 [2008 tailgates continue]


 [We got separated from the group]

[We always bonded over fashion, shoes, and Gossip Girl]

I have fabulous memories of BFW & B-rye's wedding.  It was in Hilton Head as well.  I loved being with all of our Terrapin friends and both of their families.
 [11.8.08: Their wedding was perfect.]

 [One of my favorite pictures of us all.  BFW's dress was my inspiration]

[So in love]

BFW took some of the most fabulous pictures at our wedding celebration.  She had emailed me the link the the Picassa photo album a while back.  When browsing through yesterday, it reminded me of how much fun we always had with these two.  I will always remember the love they shared and the happiness they brought to others.



One of my last memories with BFW was when D and I flew to Tampa to visit BFW & B-rye in Tampa, FL.  They finally got their dream of living someone new.  They were only back in Georgia for about a month....living in their dream home.  That trip to Tampa was wonderful.  Of course,  I don't have pictures.  I remember being picked up in that Prius that I adored, hanging out in their perfect little bungalow, BFW's idea to make a low country boil (which is surprisingly easy!), more marathon Spades games, sitting on the beach (which BFW and I had the same JCrew swimsuit...we always did have the same taste in fashion!) and getting sunburned.  BFW let me use some sunburn lotion, which of course I later bought.  We had the most laughs with them.

There a million wonderful things I could say about BFW.  One thing her brother said at the funeral will always stand out most to me.  He said a family friend had stated to him, "BFW lived more in her 26 years than most people do in 90."  Nothing could ring more true to me.  BFW traveled the world, met her soul mate and married him.  She lived away from her family.  She was decorating the home of her dreams.  She loved her job.  I could go on forever.  I have a written list of things that will remind me of her always, but the memory of her will never go away.  I will love and miss her forever.  Our lives will honestly never be the same without her.

The Avett Brothers corresponded with BFW's family and dedicated this song as her family song.  It brings me to tears every time I listen to it.  Make sure to tell those you love that you love them and make the most of every memory you make.

If I get murdered in the city
Don’t go revengin in my name
One person dead from such is plenty
No need to go get locked away

When I leave your arms
The things that I think of
No need to get over alarmed
I’m comin home

I wonder which brother is better
Which one our parents love the most
I sure did get in lots of trouble
They seemed to let the other go

A tear fell from my father’s eyes
I wondered what my dad would say
He said I love you
And I’m proud of you both, in so many different ways

If I get murdered in the city
Go read the letter in my desk
Don’t worry with all my belongings
But pay attention to the list

Make sure my sister knows I loved her
Make sure my mother knows the same
Always remember, there is nothing worth sharing
Like the love that let us share our name
Always remember, there is nothing worth sharing
Like the love that let us share our name

-Murder in the City, The Avett Brothers
I love you BFW.

10 comments:

Joanna said...

This is such a beautiful and touching post. I can't even imagine what you must be going through I'm so sorry. The picture of her dancing with her love gave me chills. So pretty.

Megan said...

I am so sorry for you and her friends and family. She seemed to be a beautiful, happy person. How tragic.

annelise said...

Oh Kristen. I didn't realise she was murdered, for some reason, I assumed a car accident. So tragic and unfair.

You have written a lovely tribute to your friend and it's wonderful to have all these beautiful memories.

annelise said...

And when I say Kristen, of course I mean Kristin.

Oliviaaa said...

what a beautiful post. you, D, and BFWs family is in our thoughts and prayers.

Tara @ Dashing in Pearls said...

What a beautiful post, Kristin. I'm so sorry for your loss. Cling to each other in this hard time and continue to remember the amazing person it seems she was.

Jess A @cajunrunnerjess said...

I am so sorry to hear about such a tragic loss. She seemed like a wonderful person. Thoughts and prayers going out to y'all!

Tyly said...

My heart just breaks for you. What a beautiful soul she was and still is. Like the above commenter, I just assumed she was killed in an car accident. I had no idea she was murdered! I'm so, so sorry. So many prayers go out to all her friends and family.

Danielle (elleinadspir) said...

Thinking of you.

justagirlLaura said...

I am so, so sorry for your loss. Sorry I haven't chimed in until now. Frankly, I wasn't sure what to say. Lame, I know. I can only imagine how difficult this has been to deal with and I'm sending you lots of love.

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