The Day After

There were 5 of us from AMES that showed up at Cindy's wake last night. The family was surprised that people who hadn't associated with in in 10 - 15 years would even remember her, never mind show up at her wake to pay their respects.
Her husband remembered a couple of us. Her parents and brothers never met us but we stood there and tried to figure out when Cindy had left AMES because they couldn't remember.
I think her husband, Richard is going to be okay in time. He's not afraid to ask for help, it's just going to be hard living his life now after living his life as her life for the past 2 years.

Most of us know that we should cherish our family and friends, they are the most precious things we have in our lives. Don't forget this and don't let the time with them slip by. Don't forget to save the small things in life from those you care about and love. The had at the wake last night and memory album with some thank you notes that Cindy had written to her grand parents, pictures of when she was growing up, school pictures, all sorts of family pictures, college graduation pictures and the most precious of all - from the cruise she took in Feb. with her husband, brother and sister-in-law. They had a picture of her kissing a dolphin. She made the most of that cruise - really went all out to enjoy herself and I'm glad she got to take it.

One of her brothers took the time to make a DVD of a number of pictures they had and they played it at the wake. It was very nice. You could tell they were actually trying to celebrate her life.

Remember the good times that you have with those closest too you and always try to live for today. If you have young children, start to save whatever you can, build scrap books with them and get them involved. Make sure your children get to know their grandparents if at all possible and anyone else who will enrich their lives.

Last night had a major impact on me, seeing everything that Cindy's family had saved over the years and were able to put together. A sharp contrast from the number of pictures that were found from my childhood.

And just a point I would like to put down here before I sign off for today: Cindy's passing has had a bigger impact on me, then when my own mother passed away almost 3 years ago. That is one heavy statement since it has been 12 - 15 years since I have seen Cindy and only started emailing her once I found out she had cancer.

Sad Day

I get up every day and log on to check my email and read the obits before going to work. Yes, I read the obits. It is the only way that I will know anything about anyone that I know from when I was growing up. Also, a friend of mine has been trying to win the battle with cancer - she lost that battle on Sunday and it was in the obits today. It's a hell of a thing to read on 4:30 in the morning. There is no one to call. I just sat here, sort of in shock. Just because I knew it was going to happen, doesn't mean when it does, it is any easier.

There were emails and IM's and phone calls going on all morning. There will be a number of us who worked with Cindy at Ames, going to the wake on Thursday night.

Cindy was without a doubt, one of the best co-workers and then bosses anyone could have asked for. She was fair, kind, understanding and easy to talk with.

I am probably the only person she banned from going into the computer room.

She cared about her job and the people who worked for her. You weren't just another body in her department. You wanted to do your share and make sure you did your job right.

She was an amazing manager and co-worker. There were a number of us who "grew up" together at AMES.

The shock of this will take some time to get over. But I would like anyone who reads this to remember, that life is precious and material things just don't matter all that much.

Cindy took a cruise in March (I believe it was) and when she came home, she told me it was nice to feel "normal" for a week. I am glad that she was able to do that for herself. Shortly after that time, is when things started to get worse for her but, she never gave up fighting.