Rememberng A Friend

One of the hardest things in life is losing a friend or loved one.  It is part of the cycle of life, but that doesn't make it any easier.  I lost a good friend recently.  While it makes me sad to think she is gone, I remember the good times we had together.

I met Claire through the independent living center when I lived in Amarillo.  We were both a part of a Saturday night activity group for people with disabilities.

Claire had cerebral palsy, so we had a lot in common right from the start.  Although she had physical challenges, she never let them hinder her.  She always had a smile on her face and an infectious laugh.

I like to tell people I picked her up on the side of I-40.   Actually, our Saturday night group was eating at a popular restaurant on I-40.  I had just gotten my pickup.   As we were leaving the restaurant, Claire noticed the shiny new truck and fell in love with it. “Take me for a ride!” she exclaimed.  I drove her home. After that, Claire wanted me to pick her up and take her home whenever our group went out, and, of course, I was glad to do it.

Claire's parents, Pat and Yvonne, were understandably nervous about her riding with me at first. After they were around me more, their fears were put to rest and they let her go with me. They took me in and treated me like one of the family, inviting me into their home for meals and buying me gifts on my birthday and Christmas.

Over time, we became good friends, learning to help and support each other.  We were quite a match.  I am 6-foot-1, and she was about 5-foot-5.  We had a lot in common, though, so we could help each other.  Claire could speak more clearly than I could, so she often ordered for both of us when we went to eat.  I had the truck, so I could drive us places.  I always liked to be on-the-go, and Claire did, too.  I'd pick her up, and we'd take off, going to movies, concerts in the park or just ride around town.  

We kept each other company.  At a time when I didn't have many close friends, I cherished Claire's company.  Claire liked to stay busy and did volunteer work at the library and at the Girl Scout office.  She was athletic, too, participating in Special Olympics bowling leagues and bocce ball tournaments.  She loved taking care of her dogs.

One thing I loved about Claire is she liked to tease and be teased.  She could give it out as well as she could take it.  We kind of lost contact with each other the last few years when I moved back to Pampa, and Claire and her mom later relocated to the Houston area to be near family. 

Claire was such a blessing in my life.  She was a true friend.  I will miss her greatly, but I know she is now fully healed and dancing in heaven.