Most of you won't have heard of Becky, but she was important in my life. A teacher, former beauty queen and divorced mom of two, Becky lived down the street from our family home in the small town where I grew up. I babysat Becky's young daughters Kim and Tina and helped paint their house. When a neighbourhood troublemaker suddenly appeared in a window near where I was standing on a ladder, he startled me, causing me to fall and hurt my arm. Becky drove me to the hospital. She provided many weekend pizzas and listened sympathetically to teenage confidences.
The secretary of the local YMCA, Becky helped me get a summer job working in the office. She was a lifeguard and expert swimmer, who taught me to overcome my fear of back dives off the high board. Years later during a summer visit, she taught my daughter to swim. Her kind-hearted father was the local printer and for my high school graduation gift, Becky presented me with a box of beautifully-engraved personalised stationery.
Becky had enormous patience and tremendous genorosity of spirit. She raised two wonderful daughters, with very little help. Through numerous personal difficulties, she maintained a sense of humour, earning the admiration, friendship and respect of many. Becky's death was unexpected, too soon. She will be remembered - and sorely missed.
I'm so sorry for your loss, Tara. Beautiful post honoring, Becky. Thank you for sharing her with us.
Posted by: Laura Young | 06 September 2006 at 15:51
I can only imagine she'd be deeply touched by what you've shared of her life here. She was much too young to go...
Posted by: Marilyn | 04 September 2006 at 05:51
What beautiful memories you hold of your dear friend. I'm very sorry for your loss.
Posted by: Willow Grace | 02 September 2006 at 06:54
Tara, I'm sorry to hear the sad news about the loss of your friend.
May your memories of her live on in your heart and may she rest in peace.
Posted by: bella | 02 September 2006 at 04:33
What will survive us is love.
And you truly loved her. What a beautiful
gift of life and love to leave in this
world and your heart.
Posted by: Sophie | 01 September 2006 at 16:26
awww, miss parisparfait.
i too am saddened by your loss.
she sounds like a special lady.
big hugs,
swampgrrl
Posted by: swampgrrl | 01 September 2006 at 13:02
This is a wonderful dedication, I feel like I knew Becky with this simple yet beautiful mini bio you've provided about her
Posted by: cathy | 01 September 2006 at 02:51
Thank you for sharing your beautiful tribute to a precious soul.
xoxo
Posted by: Colette | 31 August 2006 at 18:35
Oh Tara, what you wrote about Becky humbled my existence. may she rest in peace. I am sorry for your lost of a beautiful soul and a friend.
Love, Nina
Posted by: Nina | 31 August 2006 at 09:48
Now Becky become important for us as well Tara!
Posted by: Catalina | 31 August 2006 at 08:36
Dear Tara,
What a loving tribute to a woman who sounds like she made a graceful, beautiful impression and impact on the lives of those she touched.
My sympathies to you and all those who will miss her.
Love, Deborah
Posted by: Deborah | 31 August 2006 at 05:00
People like your friend Becky do indeed live forever in the memories of all those whose lives they've touched. And what better legacy is there to leave? I'm sure she will be missed by many.
Posted by: Becca | 31 August 2006 at 02:15
Sorry to hear of your loss. She will always be with you.
Posted by: Rosa | 31 August 2006 at 02:08
What a wonderful person to have in your life. This is a lovely tribute to your friend.
I hope holding these happy memories close to you will help you through this sad time. Sending you many hugs across the ocean, Tara.
xox
Tinker
Posted by: tinker | 31 August 2006 at 00:40
Thank you all for your kind words and thoughts. I hadn't seen Becky in many years, but she was very much a part of my life when I was a young girl and years later, she taught my daughter to swim. She was a wonderful woman, who touched many lives.
Posted by: Paris Parfait | 30 August 2006 at 23:44
A beautiful tribute to a friendship that will always be. Tara, you have been through so much but know I'm sending loving thoughts your way. BIG HUG
XXOO
Posted by: Tammy | 30 August 2006 at 23:30
I'm so sorry for your loss. She sounds like a wonderful woman and has made a lasting impression on you (and likely many others); I'm sure she will be long remembered for her many kindnesses.
Posted by: Star | 30 August 2006 at 23:25
It is so special to have a friend like that when you are a young girl. Lucky you! I send up prayers of peace to you and her family!
oxox
Posted by: Amber | 30 August 2006 at 23:18
darling Tara - you carry her in your heart. much love & blessings xoxo
Posted by: miss*R | 30 August 2006 at 23:13
Friendships like this one nourish our souls and sing a song to the beat of our hearts! You must feel very sad, I am sending you many hugs and prayers!
Posted by: tongue in cheek | 30 August 2006 at 22:51
Tara, sorry for this loss. Yet what a legacy your friend Becky leaves in you and Jordana in the life-long inspiration she provided, in the skills she taught you both, and in those subsequent gifts that you continue to share.
Posted by: susanlavonne | 30 August 2006 at 22:45
Beautiful words to honor this important friend of yours.
Posted by: Britt-Arnhild Lindland | 30 August 2006 at 22:06
Tara, I'm so sorry about your friend Becky. I hope you're doing OK today.
Posted by: The Bold Soul | 30 August 2006 at 21:58