sometimes the Circle of Life sucks

[bmccasland]

This afternoon while I was enjoying some retail therapy, and getting my hair done - folks in my office were trying to find me. So I ignored my cell ringing...
Seems one of my officemates was killed last night in a m/c accident. They had been out clubbing, she was riding on the back of her BF's bike, and they got in an accident. Now she's dead, and he's charged with DWI and vehicular homicide. Since my paper is regionalized, the one I get doesn't cover accidents in N.O. unless there's something noteable about them. Your average tragedy doesn't make it to the suburbs. Frankly, I'm numb. Told the guy that reached me, "I don't know what to say." In fact at the time, I didn't even ask about BF, about 30 minutes later I had to call him back to ask. Since she's from Florida, at this point we're not certain about "arrangements". Her parents had the reasonable expectation that their daughter would outlive them, right up to when they got a phone call from NOPD.

All I can say is at least Judy got to enjoy a Mardi Gras in the Big Easy.

I'm still stunned.

[Wahine]

Beth - that's so tragic. I don't know what to say either.:o
(((((Hugs))))))))

[Aggie_Ama]

(((Beth)))- Take care. I lost someone young years ago in a senseless way. It has been 12 years and it still is hard for me to think about or tell anyone who didn't know me then about it. Many good vibes for you in the coming days and weeks.

[Mr. Bloom]

Wow! I know how you feel and I'm sorry for your shock.

You're right, it does suck, but no one ever promised it would be fair. Years ago, I lost my dearest friend to a parachuting accident...six weeks after she had her first child. I've still not gotten over it in some ways.

Every now and then, I have to remind myself that 99.9% of the world would kill for the worst of my troubles...and although they're real to me, it could be much worse.

I hope that your co-worker's family recovers well and finds a way to cope with this tragic loss.

[KnottedYet]

((((Beth))))

[sgtiger]

Unlike others, I'm at a loss right now as to what to say..... but I'm here for you.

[lph]

oh, Beth, that's terrible! I feel for you :(

[LBTC]

Beth, forgive the PUI

That's horrible, tragic and difficult. I'm sending all the butterflies I can find at the moment. Regardless of the "arrangements" find the most meaningful way for you to honour her memory. Circle of life, indeed.

Big hugs and huge gentle blue butterflies,
~T~

[rocknrollgirl]

I am really sorry. I will keep you and her family in my thoughts.

[OakLeaf]

(((((Beth)))))

[jeannierides]

Beth, I'm so sorry about your friend.

[Lifesgreat]

I am so sorry. (((Beth)))

[Starfish]

Beth, I am so sorry. I think numb is pretty normal for right now. And, you don't have to compare your pain, when it comes, to anyone else's. It just sucks, no matter what else could be "worse." I'm so sorry. :(

[Tri Girl]

Beth, that's terribly tragic news. I'm so sorry for you, your friend's family and for her BF, too.
Thinking of you...

[Trek420]

((((Beth)))) :(

[Blueberry]

((((((((((((((((Beth))))))))))))))))

I'm so sorry.

[spokewench]

So sorry Beth. It is very shocking We had a young man (new lawyer) killed on his motorcycle not 8 months ago from my office. I'm still watering the plants he left behind. I think about him almost every day.

[DDH]

I'm so sorry for your loss.

These kinds of things alway bring me back to reality to make me realize, that we are not promised a tomorrow. Makes me apprieciate my life for all it is.

Please know that you and the family, friends and co-workers are all in my thoughts.

[Melalvai]

Seems one of my officemates was killed last night in a m/c accident. They had been out clubbing, she was riding on the back of her BF's bike, and they got in an accident. Now she's dead, and he's charged with DWI and vehicular homicide.
I'm so sorry for your loss.
Please excuse my ignorance, was this bike a motorcycle or a bicycle? If it was a bicycle I don't understand how he could be charged.

[Grog]

This is tragic. My thoughts to you, and to Judy's family...

Melalvai: m/c = motorcycle I believe...

[Geonz]

{{{BETH}}}

Numb is normal... wondering how the world keeps just spinning along is normal...

Sending hugs your way.

[Bushranger]

I'm really sorry for the loss of your workmate and friend. My thoughts to you and her family.

[Blueberry]

I'm so sorry for your loss.
Please excuse my ignorance, was this bike a motorcycle or a bicycle? If it was a bicycle I don't understand how he could be charged.

They just changed the law here in NC - you can be charged with DWI for riding drunk. I doubt it's enforced much (except by natural selection), but it's on the books.....

[Beane]

((((Beth))))

[bmccasland]

Thank you for your warm thoughts and butterfiles. Yesterday, after dithering for an hour or so, I went to a picnic thing over in Biloxi. Told a few close friends there what happened, and that I decided to be among the living instead of moping at home.

Yes, it was a motorcycle accident, there was a brief article on the Obit. page, but no mention of the BF/driver. Unfortunately she was not killed instantly. Today I'm going to try to find some black bunting or a wreath for our office door. Since she was a contractor in our office, it'll be up to her company supervisors to let us know what the arrangements are.

[NoNo]

So sorry for your loss *hugs* to you and her family.

[Flybye]

Beth, how are you doing? The idea of a wreath is very thoughtful. How is the office atmosphere? I'll bet that it is strange to have to "keep the ball rolling" in the midst of all of this. I am sorry for your loss of an officemate and friend. I am always amazed at how a perfectly normal day can change in seconds. I heard about my grandfather's stroke while at an office party with my husband and his co-workers. (He is fine now). Tragedy always makes me want to live my life to the fullest and without regrets. I will pray for you as I think about you today.

[bmccasland]

I put up the black bunting on monday, and it's still there today. My supervisor, and the one who worked directly with Judy, boxed her stuff up over the weekend so her cubemate wouldn't have to face it come monday morning. My office has handled like she was one of our own, and not "JUST a contractor." So they coordinated with her official supervisor on arrangements with the family and such. Our commander has written a sympathy letter to the family on behalf of the office, we passed around a card, and an envelope for donations. The family requested a donation to her favorite wildlife charity in lieu of flowers. The family was here wednesday - in the office, but I missed them as I was out of the office the past two days in meetings. It's been awkward, but has been handled as well as can be. The thing that really sticks in my mind was the stand that she was one of ours, and we take care of our own.

Her funeral will be tomorrow in the Tampa area (her hometown), but I don't think anyone here is going because of the distance.