Memorial Day
On a devastatingly beautiful Memorial Day in 1999, Joey’s wife and my friend, Becky Galentine, died after a long fight with breast cancer. Traditionally, Memorial Day is a day of remembrance for soldiers who’ve fallen in battle. Since 1999, we instead remember one strong-willed, charismatic, and loving “R” chick who lost a battle of her own.
Our lives, particularly the parts enjoyed together, are not what we would have imagined eight years ago. Marrying each other and then leaving on this incredible trip would have seemed an impossibility during those first years after Becky passed away. But here we are. This trip is one that Beck would have found so cool. In part, her death at too young an age prodded us into taking this journey. We learned that you only get one chance to fully live and that opportunity can be taken away at any time.
This lesson became even more evident during the past six months as we lost two more women way too young. Alyssa (Sonnier) Mayfield passed away just a few days after we first landed in New Zealand. Like Becky, Alyssa also lost a battle against breast cancer. As the younger sister of one of Joey’s best friends growing up in Kinder, it was almost like losing a sister. On the day we learned of her passing, we raised a glass to her in a far off pub in Auckland in a fashion she would have appreciated. On our Memorial Day, we once again remember this vivacious, almost sister of Joey’s and send our thoughts to her family and friends.
In March, Joey’s cousin’s daughter, Whitney, died from pregnancy complications a few weeks after giving birth to her son, Hayden, at the age of 16. It is difficult to describe how this tragedy affected everyone who knew her. Whitney’s mother, Deanna, has set up an online memorial which can be seen here: http://whitney-cappel.virtual-memorials.com. For the second time, we felt the agony of being far away, unable to give hugs, support, or, in this case, change a few diapers.
Throughout our travels, we have told each other stories about Becky, remembering the sad times but focusing on the happy ones. We wish the same healing story-telling for the families and friends of Alyssa and Whitney.
As with each of the past eight Memorial Days, our thoughts are with Becky’s parents, Dave and Liz, and her close friends. Life has continued on in strange and wonderful ways but we still remember our loss.
Our lives, particularly the parts enjoyed together, are not what we would have imagined eight years ago. Marrying each other and then leaving on this incredible trip would have seemed an impossibility during those first years after Becky passed away. But here we are. This trip is one that Beck would have found so cool. In part, her death at too young an age prodded us into taking this journey. We learned that you only get one chance to fully live and that opportunity can be taken away at any time.
This lesson became even more evident during the past six months as we lost two more women way too young. Alyssa (Sonnier) Mayfield passed away just a few days after we first landed in New Zealand. Like Becky, Alyssa also lost a battle against breast cancer. As the younger sister of one of Joey’s best friends growing up in Kinder, it was almost like losing a sister. On the day we learned of her passing, we raised a glass to her in a far off pub in Auckland in a fashion she would have appreciated. On our Memorial Day, we once again remember this vivacious, almost sister of Joey’s and send our thoughts to her family and friends.
In March, Joey’s cousin’s daughter, Whitney, died from pregnancy complications a few weeks after giving birth to her son, Hayden, at the age of 16. It is difficult to describe how this tragedy affected everyone who knew her. Whitney’s mother, Deanna, has set up an online memorial which can be seen here: http://whitney-cappel.virtual-memorials.com. For the second time, we felt the agony of being far away, unable to give hugs, support, or, in this case, change a few diapers.
Throughout our travels, we have told each other stories about Becky, remembering the sad times but focusing on the happy ones. We wish the same healing story-telling for the families and friends of Alyssa and Whitney.
As with each of the past eight Memorial Days, our thoughts are with Becky’s parents, Dave and Liz, and her close friends. Life has continued on in strange and wonderful ways but we still remember our loss.
posted by Joey and Erin @ 12:31 AM
11 comments
11 Comments:
Love you two. That's all. Thanks for words.
Jeff & Lavi
You've become two of my personal heroes. A sense of inspiration has returned to my life since I spent those weeks with you. Thanks.
Sissy
a tear just trickled down my cheek...thanks for your Memorial day thoughts. Mare Mare
Gosh, what a nice tribute. Thanks so much for sharing with us. Love, Mom
Thanks for posting that link to Whit's memorial. I had no idea about it. Tears all over the place!
love,
Brooke
What an awesome site. The pics leave me speechless, (and jealous), and I especially appreciate the thoughts on Whitney. Hope to see ya'll soon... Dah Dah
We too, spend Memorial Day thinking and remember our wonderful friend, Becky. Know we are also thinking of you both and all others doing their own "remembering and celebrating" folks who have passed. Thanks for sharing...
love
Katie and family
Joey, I probably don't say it enough. I love you and you are my hero. It was a beautiful tribute.
Love you and Erin,
Marla
(Mental image of Glenn and I raising our fists in tribute)
R! R! R! R! R! R! R! R!
Sean
I guess I'm a little late on this one too, but I spend every Memorial Day thinking about Becky and her parents too. I always talk about her on that day, and lots of other ones too. Our lives are all beautiful even in tragedy, and it is interesting to learn about each of our own paths life has lead us down. I often take a moment to tell Becky that I'm thinking of her and I wish she were here to see that I've grown up to be "OK". :-)
Thanks for sharing Joey & Erin.
Laurel
P.S. Be safe out there kids!
Thank you all for your lovely comments. It is thrilling anytime we get comments but it is particularly meaningful to have you respond to this post. Some of them brought tears to my eyes (Joey's too, but he doesn't admit to crying), while others brought a much needed laugh (R! R! R!). We miss you all and can't wait to see you when we get back.
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