The amount of loss this year has been pretty tremendous. Yes it is a fact myself and people I surround myself with are getting older, it still is tough when someone close to you dies. Not every death is age or health related. All are shocking.
Early yesterday, I was greeted with another ‘are you sitting down’ phone call, this one from my old friend John Redmon. Who died? Was my reply, as the start of the call was something I have become all too familiar with. ‘I think Liz died.’ ~ “You Think?” Circumstances explained on how he heard this, Thank you. I’m feeling a little fucked up by this news, I’m going to reach out to her mother I tell him and hang up.
Maria (Her mother) was quick to get back to me and confirmed the horrible news, a freak accident took her life (unconfirmed) as her mother is here in Ontario, and she was in Jasper AB, but as she explained what happened, she still needs to await the autopsy results for confirmation, but she did seem pretty sure about her cause of death.
We dated and lived together from 2001 to 2005. We grew together and shared a multitude of life experiences. When we separated, things were not good. Usually it will not be when you loved someone so much and it could not work out. It took a little bit of time to heal and move past, we eventually became friends again. Our lives went in our separate ways. She moved to Jasper AB to start a new life. I met my the mother of my child, my future ex wife. She met the father of her child, her future ex partner. She had a lovely little girl, a splitting image of her who I am sure is going to be devastated by this loss.
When this love expired, there remained a little place in my heart for her, it transformed into a special place of meaningful care. I only ever saw her once after she moved to Jasper, but we remained in close enough contact. I still felt good about her and I when we talked or texted. Sharing updates on our lives, reminiscing or sharing laughs. Talking a couple/few times a year. These were happy experiences. we were exchanging messages this week. It seems surreal.
With the exception of the photo on the bike which she sent me last year, all these photos are from 15+ years ago.
I’ll miss your laugh, your voice and I’ll miss you. Say hello to Mr. Pink Bunny and Rab for me. Rest In Peace Liz Stanek.
