Last night I was surfing the net, looking for a few 5k's to run this Spring, and I just happened upon the Jackie Bristow Memorial 5k Race.
The name sounded very familiar.
I clicked on the link and found out that the race had already happened on January 3, 2009, but then I began to read on about Jackie's story and her struggle with anorexia and bulimia. My heart sank. She was the twin daughter of one of my closest childhood friends.
I spent first grade through eighth grade with my friend Joan. We attended different high schools, but we still kept in touch though yearly Christmas cards and though each of our children's births. Even though we've moved to different cities, we still kept in touch. I'll never forget when she gave birth to her full term twin daughters. She was only expecting one child at that time, and hoping for a girl, since she already had two sons. Emily was born and Joan was thrilled, then a surprise happened when Jackie followed, and the labor and delivery team went crazy because they were only expecting to handle a single birth. (Back then, the doctors didn't do sonograms unless it was absolutely necessary.) Her family was overjoyed. Twin daughters!
Joan and I kept in touch through a few phone calls, letters, and Christmas cards. Over the past recent years it just has been Christmas cards with a short note and her children's school pictures. This holiday season there was no Christmas card from Joan, but I just chalked that up to the state of the economy, and everyone seemed to be cutting back on sending cards.
I did not know that Joan's daughter, Jackie, lost her life on January 1, 2008 at age 19 until I stumbled upon the 5k race information last night. My heart is breaking for my friend and her family.
Yesterday's song:
Road To Recovery - Midnight Juggernauts
PEACE
8 comments:
Elton John!
such a sad story about your friend. :(
that's so sad.
Such a sad story and unfortunately so common these days. My thoughts go out to the family.
so very sad. how is her twin doing? that video is a wonderful tribute.
I'm so sorry Irene...I can't even imagine anything more painful than losing a child. Anorexia is such a difficult disease to conquer. My sister suffered from it when we were in high school and college. We almost lost her a couple of times.
How tragic-my prayers go to her family.
That is such a tragedy. And to happen on a holiday makes it worse. I feel so badly for your friend. Maybe through the renewed awareness she can help save someone's life.
Melanie,
Winner! I can't believe what has happened. I'm still in shock.
Barbie2be,
Very sad.
Katie,
I know, it's so unfortunate that it's still happening.
NSM,
I wrote a letter to my friend, so it may be a while before I hear how they're all doing. I did see some pictures from the 5k, and her twin Emily was helping out at the event.
AKA Alice,
I can't imagine what it's like to watch your sibling go through that. I hope your sister continues to do well.
Waddler26.2,
I can't get the family off of my mind now. It's really a sad ending to a beautiful life.
Anne,
I know. I'm hoping that they continue to make the 5k an annual event, so it gives the family a sense of hope for others.
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