One Year

Hi guys!

Another deep post, so apologies in advance.

A year ago today, my high school classmate Ally passed away. A little background on my high school. There were 19 students in my graduating class. When we graduated I had been with my class mates since 3rd grade, some had been together since pre-school. We were a very tight nit community.

We had received word that Ally, who was living in Italy at the time, was missing. I was a few years ahead of Ally, but some of my closest friends were in her class. My heart ached for them not knowing where their friend was. As a mother, my heart ached for her parents. It had to be the worst kind of fear not knowing where your daughter was or what had happened to her.

It wasn't until a few days later that we learned Ally was not missing, but gone. She was the victim of a hit and run accident while she had been out running. It was an absolutely devastating blow. See Ally always had a smile for everyone. She was always this bright, shining, happy force. Someone that truly lived their life. She was an amazing girl that I was absolutely in awe of.

However, Ally's death did something interesting. In life she always brought people together and in her passing she did as well. We all gathered at our high school at the memorial rock that was put together. Flowers and messages appeared. People who hadn't spoken in years hugged, cried together, and shared stories and memories. And then we all started to catch up. Beyond our Facebook wall posts we became involved in each others lives again. For me personally it made me really take stock of my own life. I had waited and put off so much 'until another day'. Ally's death really drove home that tomorrow is not promised to anyone. 

It's now a year later. I see my friends much more regularly now, even with my crazy Mommy life. They are now a part of Boomer's life as well. Its a comfort to know that if anything ever happened to me, these wonderful people would be there for her like we were all there for each other a year ago.

Ally, you and your beautiful smile are missed. I wish you could see us all now, and I know we will see you again. My thoughts and prayers are with all those who love you today.