To many, Vivian was more than just a friend she was a best friend. How could it be that so many considered this one woman to be their closest friend? As Maya Angelou said, “I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” Vivian made everyone feel special. No visit with Vivian was complete without her expressing concern for and interest in others (many of whom I had the honor of meeting for the first time at Vivian’s bedside).
But that’s not to say I will ever forget all she did for my family and me. I could always count on Vivian’s help with anything. In fact, when we realized last minute that a college scholarship application for my son had to be postmarked the very day that I was out of town, Vivian and Tori raced to the post office and dropped it in the mail for us. She sent me a picture of Tori depositing it in the mailbox as confirmation. And, after making pulled pork for church events, she was always sure to share with us whatever she had left over. What’s more, using that unforgettable white Odyssey minivan, she helped me transport my son’s entire new bedroom set from the store to our house. Oftentimes, when shopping at Sam’s Club, she texted me asking me what I needed, and personally delivered it on the way home. The list goes on and on.
Then there was the advice and offers to help; much of it dispensed as she was running backwards toward her van: “Keep track of Blake’s service hours – you will need that for college applications,” “Don’t overpay to have that tree removed – I know a guy,” and “I can watch your dog while you’re out of town.”
I will miss Vivian and cruising in the white van, her fried rice, her Maryland apparel, saying goodbye for three hours in the driveway after an evening out, Chinese New Years, her pulled pork, her smile, her laughter, her inclusiveness, her energy, her concern, her thoughtfulness, her enthusiasm, her curiosity, her friendship and so much more.
