I can remember the very day I met him. I was in the UK, on a project for work, for a company I had been a member of less than 2 months. I was a newlywed, having just married my 'boyfriend' of 4 years. The idea of being gone for what was originally requested, a month, after all the new changes (new job, leaving old job, new marriage, new house, etc), meant the negotiated 2 weeks we decided on was just enough. But I remember meeting him, this handsome, sarcastic Scottish bloke, who was very aware of what his presence was on the project. He seemed like a solid guy, and I figured if nothing else, at least I was working with decent folks.
I planned on seeing a place of the world I never thought I would that weekend, Scotland. When word hit on the project team that I was thinking of this, all came on board, and the caravan was ready to drive up to Scotland, complete with the Scottish bloke I had just met, ready to give us a view into his world, his homeland, and show the American counterparts a good time.
To say a weekend experience in Scotland was fun that weekend wouldn't do it justice. It was a blast. Having someone who knew the lay of the land, made me fall in love with so many aspects of the city of Edinburgh, the amazing architecture, the castle, the pubs, the people. It was a fantastic experience, still implanted in my brain. And that same bloke, a new friend.
Cut to 4 years later, when early one morning, I met a gorgeous lady in the restroom of all places. Come to find out she was British, and had just migrated over, to our US IT operations and in my group. I extended a hand, after washing of course, and introduced myself. When she mentioned she came over to be with a Scottish guy, it took a few minutes before I put the two together. My new acquaintance friend from a few years back and her were a couple.
Thus began a friendship re-ignited and started, a coupling of two amazing folks and people we called friends. I watched her elegance, her grace, infect so many of us she worked with, became friends with, impacted daily. I watched her challenge my timid nature, my unwillingness to just 'jump' at times and even if I felt challenged, loved her for stirring in me, the challenge of trying. She instantly became a good friend. And I watched her approach my former acquaintance friend, complimenting him with such exceptional beauty. They were soul mates and their mutual love, respect, and happiness was a pleasure to be around. It was hard not to be happy with them close by. I benefited so greatly as they both worked in my company, and with me on occasion.
And we shared so many memories, concerts, laughs, way too many drinks. A birthday, my 36th spent at a Linkin Park Concert, just enjoying life. Meeting up with our significant others afterwards, and reveling into the deep reaches of the night. Mid 30s meant we knew better, we knew what would hurt the next day, but reveling in the moment, the joy of life shared.
But this Damn disease....this freaking c word....has ripped someone I love from this shared joy, and so young. A woman of 38, watching her fight, watching her love, watching her never wavering in spite of the challenge and ultimate finality of her situation. And that same Scottish bloke, now also a great friend, watching him remain strong, remain her rock. I had never seen two people so in sync, even in the face of adversity. Soul mates through it all in the face of danger, tragedy, and ultimately quite soon, in the final loss. There are holes in the hearts of so many folks, at the thought of her loss.
I hate cancer for what it has done to an amazing love affair of two friends. What it has done to those of us who love both. And to how in the blink of an instant life can change. But I am forever grateful for getting the chance to have them affect my life, and to love them both as friends. Her memory, will continue to live on, enriching my thoughts on a bad day, when I need a laugh, and a story of the both of them will bring me giggles through the pain and tears.
Thank you Sam, and Graeme, for allowing me to share in your love, your lives, and the beauty that is YOU. I love you both with all my heart.
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