17 years ago, when I moved to Colorado as a scared recent college graduate who didn't know anybody here or anything about this new place I called home, I met this woman: Crystal Fitches.
Her megawatt smile lights up the room. She is the life of every party- big laughs, big voice, big personality- and everybody's best friend. I met her immediately, and we became friends. She was always a joy to be around as we navigated the singles scene.
We each got married. I married my perfect match, she did not. She married a man who would not treat her well and was not kind. But, they had two beautiful children who she adored. She divorced. One night at dinner she told me why her marriage failed. I was mortified. I didn't know marriage could be so bad. I came home so grateful for Ben, and Ben said I needed to hang out with her more often so I would appreciate him more.
She earned her Master' degree. She got a great job making great money- which she needed and deserved after her divorce.
She met Scott. He was a little older and has disabilities- but he treated her as she deserved to be treated! They had a child- a child who also has severe disabilities. She worked and cared for her husband and three children. She was the sole breadwinner.
Her sister died a year ago.
And, a week ago I got the message from her best friend saying Crystal passed away in her sleep.
To say the word "shocked" is an understatement. How could somebody so full of life, so boisterous and aglow, be taken from her disabled husband and child just a year after her sister died? How can the world be so cruel? Why, God, does something so horrible have to happen?
It isn't fair. It isn't right.
And yet, it is.
Ben went to high school with her. We knew attending her funeral was a priority.
Yesterday we went. It was beautiful. It was gut-wrenching.
I am reminded that without sorrow there can be no joy. And, she brought so much joy!
It is a stark reminder that life is short. That life is fragile. That we need to focus on the things that are most important in life- faith, family, friends.
I will never forget this beautiful woman and her absolute and pure love of everyone around her. I will try to be kinder and more loving. I will show my family greater patience, and hug them a little tighter. It seems surreal that she is gone, but she will not be forgotten.
Crystal loved to sing- it was a huge part of her life. She would love this quote.
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