Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Angel Day

As day broke on the morning of March 22, 2008 I was giddy with anticipation of a Saturday ski day. Nearing the end of our ski season, I had really been looking forward to this day with my family. A fabulous lunch on the mountain of grilling burgers, fresh salsa and chips, chocolate dipped macaroons and of course snow-chilled Diet Cokes were part of the plan.

Although the early morning sun shone brightly in the bluebird sky, the air was crisp and bitter cold for a late March day. As we pulled into the upper parking lot at Beaver Mountain the car thermometer read -4 degrees. Dione, Jocie and little brother Chet declared they were not getting out of the car until it had "warmed up" to at least 0 degrees outside.

Dean and I hopped on our skis for a quick run down the mountain...just the two of us. All of The Beav's runs were freshly groomed corduroy and coupled with cold temperatures, were very fast. Dean skied down the ever familiar Stan's Bonanza run and maybe made one turn. I followed (not so close) behind. The frigid air temp at high speeds made my nose sting and eyes water despite my goggles. The mountain still mostly vacant, I delighted in the energy of zipping down an empty run.

Returning to a car of slumbering children, Dean snapped this quick pic before we rustled them out and into their boots. While taking Princess Izzy for a potty break, Jocie spotted girlfriends Sid and Autumn, begging her to come ski with them.

And off she went.

My parting words were "Lunch is at noon, don't be late!" And then added a quote from our favorite lifty "Have fun, be safe!" followed by "I love you"! My message probably barely audible over the music plugged into her helmet, she mumbled back "Luv you too!"

I would see her one more time that morning... at the top of Harry's Dream getting off the lift with the girls. Normally she would be wearing her marijuana-leaf-looking ski suit, but not today. She was dressed completely in black from helmet to boot. The new black jacket a gift from her Daddy. As she skied off the lift, her brilliant red hair splayed loosely over her shoulders like a waterfall. It was as if the light of the sun shone brighter on Jocie and only Jocie at that moment. She sparkled! I leaned over to Dione and remarked at her beauty, "Doesn't she look stunning today?" Jocie waved at us, and skied off giggling with the girlfriends.

That glorious and final image of Jocie illuminated at the top of the mountain is something I will always treasure.  When dark memories of the day invade my thoughts, I replace them with this image. Today is the 3rd anniversary of Jocie's angel day. On the first I was still clearly devastated, on the second, learning how to breathe again. And today on the third anniversary I am writing...I hear birds outside my door, snowflakes bouncing off the bedroom window panes, and the promise of another day spent wrapped around my family.  So from me to you...hug your sweet loved ones just a little tighter today will you?

11 comments:

  1. I will. Thank you. My heart goes out to you on this special angel day with so much love and tenderness I wish I could convey it through words. Your sweet one is now a part of my heart too.

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  2. Ah, this made me cry. Your description of Jocie at the top of the mountain was beautiful. Love to you and your family today and every day.

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  3. My thoughts are with you this angel day. Keep the family close today and remember the image of your angel on top of the mountain.

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  4. I will never forget riding the lift right behind Jocie and her friends and they were singing 99 Red Balloons and laughing. I turned to Marilyn and said "I just love teenage girls." Such a sweet memory of a darling girl. My heart is with you today. I admire your grace.

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  5. Your words have touched my heart again! Your family is such an example of love and dignity. Thank you for sharing with all of us, today and always.

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  6. Thank you for reminding us to cherish our time with those we love. I'm so sorry for the pain you've experienced over the last three years, but grateful that you're sharing your wisdom with us.

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  7. Thanks, Lisa. Sending my biggest hugs to you today.

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  8. Ah, Lisa ... I think about this day often. In fact, I thought of it today {not even completely realizing it was today} as I was driving into Chik-fil-a and saw a Jiggy decal on an expedition. You are an amazing woman, with an amazing family. Thank you for sharing this with us.

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  9. We woke up to snow, even down here in Ogden, it seemed fitting for today. We love you guys and miss your sweet Jocie.

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  10. Thank you. Prayers to you and your family. What a wonderful image to have of Jocie.

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  11. Monday night I check the "Daily Briefing" on my phone for Tuesday:
    "Times of clouds and sunshine with a shower. Good chance of snow in the early morning."
    I thought what a delightful day - something for everyone! And then it dawned on me that it was the 22nd the next day. Jocie was something for everyone. She is a jewel.
    xo

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