I was assigned to visit teach his wife, 4 years ago when we first moved to Indiana. I grew to love her so much and was lucky to have her almost all 4 years.
We were even neighbors for a brief 7 months. They watched our boys and cat, we watched their dogs. We constantly exchanged dinners and treats. They were our go-to and we were theirs. When we got together, I talked with her and Bryce talked with him and together, they played with Brycen and Cian.
Our friends' have a duck collection that our boys enjoy every time we visit and over the years, they have given our boys several. About a month ago, I helped her and her husband set up her classroom as a first time teacher. She has worked so hard for this as long as I have known her. She planned for it and prepared long before it finally, became a reality. Oh and I have wished on many occasions that we could stay here long enough for our boys to have her.
Brycen has it second best though. She is the Primary Choristor and is amazing with the children. She has taught all the children Sign Language for their Primary Program in October.She is so organized, creative, and thorough.
When the news came yesterday, I immediately drove over. We hugged. We cried. She has since, never left my mind and I have been constantly trying to think of how I can help ease the pain and path forward. And through it all, I failed to realize that it was wasn't just me that ached for my friend's loss.
Bryce had lost a friend. He doesn't have many. Besides work, the boys and I are his life. But he got along great with this guy, always having things to talk and joke about.
Oh, how I failed to comprehend until the tears came. Such a rare sight.
Bryce has been asked to give a eulogy at the funeral. Of course he accepted. Not an easy task but he is honored.
Life is so short.
Forgive.
Forget.
Love.
And be loved.
Laugh.
Cry.
What a tremendous journey.
And know,
Eternal Families are forever.
A mutual (photographer) friend came up with this amazing idea to help. She had the privilege of taking pictures for their anniversary in May.
She captured their love perfectly.
http://www.pearlphotodesign.com/donation-based-mini-sessions-for-paul-celeste/
She also took our family pictures last year, we love them.
2 comments:
I didn't know them but I had heard lovely things about them. I am so sorry for her loss and the loss all of his friends- I pray for her in these many days and months to come.
I'm so sad that we have all lost a friend, especially that Bryce has. This has been such hard news to digest. I am grateful that you called personally to tell me, that I didn't have to hear through fb or an email. My heart aches terribly for Celeste, and also for all of us that will miss Paul.
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