This week has been a whirlwind. I intended to skip my blog post, overwhelmed by the demands of life, until I received heartbreaking news that a dear friend of mine, Vanessa, passed away yesterday. In her honor, I dedicate this week's blog to her memory and the profound impact she had on my life.
Ness was one of the most amazing people I’ve ever known. We met years ago when I still lived in Nebraska, and from the very beginning, she had a way of making everyone and every moment feel special. She was the best at keeping in touch and always found a reason to celebrate life. We shared countless memories, from her saving the day at my wedding when my dress wouldn’t stay up, to our hilarious encounter with a pervy old man at the DC Cherry Blossom Festival, to so many other treasured moments.
Our friendship endured through my move to Colorado, my first marriage and subsequent divorce, her terrifying climbing accident and miraculous recovery, the loss of her father, and various health challenges on both sides. Despite all the ups and downs, Vanessa was a constant presence, always there when I needed her. That’s the kind of person she was, unfailingly supportive and endlessly kind.
This morning, as I sat in the shock of this tragic news, I couldn’t help but feel a deep sense of regret for not seeing Ness in far too long and for leaving our last text thread unfinished. There were so many unspoken words and so many memories left to make. It’s a harsh reminder that life is unpredictable and fleeting, and we must cherish every moment, make memories, and stay connected with our loved ones.
Vanessa was well-traveled and rarely turned down an opportunity for adventure. Her routine emails always brightened my day, but they also gave me a false sense of comfort—that no matter how long it had been since we last spoke or saw each other, there would always be another email, another update. I will miss those updates terribly, and Groundhog Day will never be the same without her customary Groundhog Day email and sign-off:
"Let me not to the marriage of true minds
Admit impediments. Love is not love
Which alters when it alteration finds,
Or bends with the remover to remove:
Oh, no! It is an ever-fixed mark
That looks on tempests and is never shaken."
Today, as I reflect on our friendship, I am filled with gratitude for having known Vanessa Little, for loving her, and for feeling the magnitude of her love. She was one of the sweetest, strongest, and most generous people I’ve ever known. Her spirit will forever inspire me to live fully, embrace adventures, and prioritize meaningful connections.
All day, I’ve been yearning to reach out to her, to call, text, and hug her...but now I can’t. ;( So, to everyone reading this, don’t wait. Don’t let the busyness of life rob you of precious moments with those you love. Make time for friends and family, go on adventures, and always stay in touch. Vanessa’s legacy is a testament to the beauty of life’s connections and the importance of cherishing them.
Rest in peace, dear friend. I hope you’re hugging and laughing with your mommy and daddy right now. Your love and spirit will live on in our hearts forever.
