I apologize ahead of time if this post is depressing. I usually try to keep my blog on the lighter side, but in this instance there’s no way around it.
On Friday, after I posted, I got a terrible-news phone call. An ex-boyfriend/friend had died. While I don’t want to go all into it, this person meant a lot to me during my mid 20’s and will be dearly missed. The only thing I will say, is that life is precious. Be thankful for the one you have and if you need help, ask for it.
The funeral was held on Saturday. There was no way I was going to miss it. It was a terrible way to reconnect with a lot of college friends. Although, in some ways, I think my friend’s death brought all of us back together, at least for the time being. We needed each other more than ever.
Redhead got here at her usual time Friday night and was, as per usual, a great friend. She always knows what to say to make me feel better. We stuck to our regular routine except we didn’t get to chat because I was calling some other mutual friends to console/get consoled.
I had taken a sleep aid so I got some rest and then we woke up for our 18 miler. Surprisingly, amidst the sorrow in my heart, it went off without a hitch. I felt physically good on the final nine and P-Funk lent her ear and I got some of those feelings out. Seriously, running friends are the best. I just can’t say it enough.
At one point Redhead and I were running together and I told her I was worried about hitting my goal time. To this, the Redhead told me flat out I needed to get more confidence in my running as I was doing really well. I know she’s right about this.
Immediately after finishing I had to get home and change and head to the funeral which was a little over a two hour drive away. Again, Redhead pulled through here and gave me an audio book to listen. It really helped the miles fly by. (Dan Brown’s The Lost Symbol, I recommend it.)
Funerals suck. That’s all I have to say about that.
After I got back I headed over to V’s for the BRA girls sleepover. It was a much needed fun evening with snacks, ice skating on TV, and lots and lots of funny girl talk. I think things happen for a reason and there was a reason this event coincided with the funeral. I just flat out needed it.
I stayed at V’s until about midnight and was supposed to sleepover but I was just so tired mentally and physically I wanted my own bed and my Lloyd. Not to mention, I had to get up early today and head in to the office since I missed my mandatory Saturday.
Needless to say, after I worked my four hour shift today I was exhausted. I took a nap and skipped my recovery run to hang out with some friends and play some Wii Mario Kart. It was exactly what I needed.
I’m in a very reflective mood right now. I’m sad and mad and again am sorry if this post isn’t my usual light fare. I’ll be back to B.o.B.-ing it soon, but for now I’m just a girl who misses someone that made the world a brighter, better place.
I'm so very sorry about your friend. Yes, funerals suck, big time. I wish you peace during this hard time.
I'm so sorry for your loss. Funerals are always so tough. I'm happy to hear you have such close friends to help you during the tough times.
I hope you listed to redhead and get even more confidence in your running because you deserve it for all the hard work you put into your running. 🙂
Hope your week gets a little better.
-Steph
I'm so sorry to hear about this loss. It is devastating and I know it must have taken you back to many memories and good times. We just never know how long people will be with us. And even if it's not someone we see or hear from that often, it is still a great great loss. Take care of yourself.
I'm sorry about losing your friends. It's so awesome that you had a lot of amazing friends around to help listen and keep your mind on other things. Great job on getting your 18 miler in. I'm not surprised at all that you rocked it, running is our best therapy!
So sorry for your loss. I'm glad you got to go celebrate his life and reconnect with some friends. Sometimes the world is a strange place.
I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your special friend. You are so right, life is precious. It sounds like you have several good friends to help support you. Good job on your eighteen miler and hang in there.
I am so sorry for your loss.
Sometimes, life just really sucks. I am so very sorry for your loss.
I'm really sorry to hear about your loss. Those kinds of things are never easy. I still get really down and reflective when I think about an old friend who passed almost 6 months ago. It never really gets easier.
Hugs! XO
Just one of life's little turns. I am positive we'll be back on B.O.B. street very soon.
Praying for you.
I'm so sorry for your loss! You are so strong, and this too shall pass. 🙂
I'm really sorry about your friend and your loss! *hugs*
Loss of life at such a young age is sad. Hang in there…
So sorry to hear of your loss… Remember him and he will never be truely gone.
I am sorry to hear of your loss. My best friend passed away almost 10 years ago, and while it DOES get easier, the pain never goes away. I hope you find peace during a tough time.
So sorry about the loss of your friend.
I'm so sorry for the loss of a good friend. That's so hard. At first I thought you were going to say that you missed your run because of it. I'm glad you got your run in anyway. Running is very therapeutic and even better when you have a good friend to share the miles with. You're awesome and should be confident in your running, you're doing so well. Being introspective sometimes is good for us. Makes us realize what's really important. Thinking of you.
OH I am so sorry to hear about your loss…it's a terrible thing to deal with but especially hard when they are close to your heart and so young.
I am so glad you have such amazing friends to surround you with love and keep your spirits up.
My sincere condolences. In the midst of your sadness, please try to remember the good times you shared with this person.
And Redhead is right about your confidence.
Sooo sorry to hear about your loss. We lost my FIL this year to cancer, and our new mantra became, "Life is too short for (fill in the blank)…" It sucks to loose someone, but if often times give us a renewed sense of how precious life is and to make the most of what we have and not waste precious time on things that are not. You're in my thoughts 🙂
I'm so sorry to hear about your loss of a loved one. It is such a hard thing to go through. Despite all the sadness, I'm glad you were able to hang out with friends who were able to put a little happiness back in your heart. I am sending you a huuuuuuuge big hug your way.
Sorry to hear about your news, B.O.B.! I'm glad the Redhead and the rest of your running friends pulled through and gave you solace when you need them. You're awesome so I know you'll get through this!
I'm so sorry for your loss B!
I'm sorry for your loss.
You are handling it very well!
Being with friends at these times is most important!
So sorry for your loss–yes, funerals do, 100% totally suck. It is very fortunate that you were able to have a nice relaxing night with your friends after the funeral.
I hope today is better!
I'm sorry for your loss. Hopefully some of your colleges friends and you could continue to stay in touch. Feel better!
I'm sorry for your loss!
Sometimes life can be rough. But with situations like this the best you can take away from it is a reminder that life is precious and thus we can never take it for granted. So we must continue to live and love without regret or excuse.
Hope the rest of your week gets better.
Sending you HUGE, HUGE, big time HUGS. So sorry about your loss.
So sorry to hear about your friend and I hope that you cherish the memories that you shared together. It's okay to be honest and hash out feelings to the blog world 🙂
Sorry to hear about your loss. It's always atough tme, but espeially for someone who is young and in his prime. I'm glad to hear that you had some great friends to help you through this.
*hug* I'm sorry for your loss!!!
I could bust into a cheesy rendition of "That's What Friends Are For", but I'll spare you:)
I just finished The Lost Symbol. It was pretty good.
I'm so sorry to hear that Beth. 🙁 I know how hard it is to lose someone close to you and it does make you reflect on everything. It's good you got to hang out with your friends. That always helps. *HUGS* thinking of you girl!
I'm so sorry for your loss. I hope that you find comfort and peace.
I love you so much Boo and I'm glad I was able to be there for you. I wish I had the right words to say to help make it easier to bare but just know that you always have my shoulder, my ear and my open arms. It's so hard not to see a smile on your face or a bounce in your step.
If nothing else I'm just glad that you had such a great run, promise me the next time you're struggling through a tough one you remember Saturday and how well you did. You are going to do so well at Gasparilla, draw from within and believe in yourself!
I love you Boo and here for you if/when you need to talk. Can't wait to trudge 22.5 with you Saturday! xoxo
Wow, I'm really late on posts. I'll say a prayer for ya. Keep your chin up!
B.O.B., I just read this and I wanted to say that I'm truly sorry for your loss. Losing a friend is a horrible thing, but I'm glad that you have a lot of people to lean on and who are there for you.
You totally kick butt for running an 18 miler and then driving for two hours to an unhappy event.
Take care, girlie. Hugs to you.
Sooo sorry to hear Beth! Death is hard, as I've always said, "Our loss, heavens gain." love you runner girl!!
somehow I missed this sunday (and yesterday). I'm so sorry to hear about your loss. I lost a very good friend while we were in college and it is never easy. Every once in a while I see someone on the street who looks so similar to her and it brings back a flood of memories. I cherish those memories and hopefully you and your friends will cherish your memories with him for years to come. It's so important to have support from friends and family and it sounds like you have that!
funerals definitely suck, and it's totally ok to be a little down sometimes. hugs beth! i'm glad you had good friends around all weekend to help you out (even with the littlest of things or just being there) when you needed it.
hang in there girl. maybe running part of gasparilla in honor of your friend would help with training/confidence?
just catching up on blogs after a week in Florida! I'm so so sorry about your friend and your loss. Having lost my ex/son's dad in Sept, I can certainly understand how hard it is, and I'm so sorry. Funerals do suck, you're right. **Hugs**