But what touched me was the loss of all of our collective innocence. I too danced with classmates to those songs and had pizza every Friday night after football games.
And had parents who separated and divorced and forever messed up my head.
And then we too drifted apart as we went our separate ways, coming back to bump into each other again, but mostly drifting.
And now I am watching my own darling 18 year old daughter struggling to understand the craziness that is our country, and our world.
I wish we could capture those long ago moments and put them in a jar and pull them out for when life gets tough--and rocky.
I was going to text you over the weekend - make sure that you knew - and then fell into three conversations with Melissa, Juliana and Heather Harris with all of us saying the same stunned things. I can't believe he's gone and yes, I miss you.
What a lovely 80's time capsule - like watching a John Hughes movie that played out for you in real life. Thank you for sharing your friend Mark - may you take strength from that big, joyful heart as his memory continues to be a blessing.
I’m sorry for your loss. What a gift that friendship must’ve been! Everyone deserves to have a Mark in their lives.
Beautiful. So sorry you lost him.
Colleen, thank you for sharing Mark with us. I know that his memory will always be a blessing for you.
You took my breath away with this writing.
I am so incredibly sorry for your loss.
But what touched me was the loss of all of our collective innocence. I too danced with classmates to those songs and had pizza every Friday night after football games.
And had parents who separated and divorced and forever messed up my head.
And then we too drifted apart as we went our separate ways, coming back to bump into each other again, but mostly drifting.
And now I am watching my own darling 18 year old daughter struggling to understand the craziness that is our country, and our world.
I wish we could capture those long ago moments and put them in a jar and pull them out for when life gets tough--and rocky.
I'm sorry for your loss.
Thank you, Debby - this is incredibly kind and means so much.
Beautifully written, Colleen. Thank you for transporting me back.
You have ALWAYS had one of my favorite brains and I miss you.
I was going to text you over the weekend - make sure that you knew - and then fell into three conversations with Melissa, Juliana and Heather Harris with all of us saying the same stunned things. I can't believe he's gone and yes, I miss you.
What a beautiful tribute to your friend. We are so sorry for your loss.
Heartbreaking. I’m sorry for your loss. Love you Colleen!
Thank you, cousin - much love to you.
What a lovely 80's time capsule - like watching a John Hughes movie that played out for you in real life. Thank you for sharing your friend Mark - may you take strength from that big, joyful heart as his memory continues to be a blessing.
We were very much a product of our place and time. I suppose I should have embedded "Don't You Forget About Me" to really bring that home.
He was so special and as foolish as it sounds, I thought he would live forever.
This is lovely, Colleen. Thank you for sharing it with us. I am sorry for the loss of your dear friend.
This is beautiful and so true. Thank you.
And that hair! We will never live down our high school crimes against hair.