From Gillian Atchley
6/24/03
Dear Jennie and Edgar,
I just read the email that you sent to Megan and Ian - they sent
it my way in a hurry, knowing we all share the same heart when
it comes to Tommy. It brought me to tears. I had been thinking
about all of you intensely as we marked the first anniversary
of Tommy's death. I miss him...I really, really miss him - and
he still makes me cry, just thinking about how much I love him
and how much he is missed. Sometimes the idea of arriving in CB
without him there is too much to fathom – he was one of
my anchors, one of my truths. My eyes are completely filled with
tears as I write this, but I wanted to send you something right
away - to let you know that it means so much to hear from you,
and that I really hope we can share a hug and a story or two this
summer. It helps. I’ve come to realize, and happily so,
that I’m not the only one to be an honored recipient of
Tommy’s magical hugs. With him I was safe, I was loved,
I was charmed, I was laughing, I was happy...I was home. I had
a true friend, and I loved him.
I remember the summer when Megan and I returned to CB for our
father’s memorial. I was at a July 4th BBQ at the Garcia's
house – Tommy had invited me. Joe had said something very
kind to me about my father, and I just fell to pieces –
feeling totally lost. As I sat there with my eyes welling up,
there was Tommy, who had been side-by-side with me the entire
evening. He just held me on his lap as I cried – he didn't
care who was looking or wondering, just hugged me tight and without
a word he helped me burden my pain. He was so amazingly sweet
and caring with me. Throughout the years that I knew him, I always
felt that he gave me unspoken permission to be myself on any level,
that he’d always be there. And he was. I loved that about
him – what a generous spirit.
What he shared with us is not lost – his spirit is still
there to strengthen us and remind us of the beautiful ways in
which we live, and how we can connect and continue friendships
where he left off. My aunt said to me the other night, ‘Out
of something bad, comes something good’. It took me a while
to believe it, but I do now.
Megan, Lucy and I will be in Crested Butte for all of August
– perfect timing. I’m looking forward to seeing you
and Edgar and MV (and the other V-Boys). So let’s share
some love and hugs, and work on that ‘something good’
stuff', sound good?
Much, Much Love,
Gillian
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Letters from Friends
> Flower Power
> Marci Fenski
> Gillian Atchley
> Megan Atchley
> Ian Swinson & Megan Atchley
> <Unknown> |
