Dear Nancy, Lynn, and Jeff,
You and your family have been on my heart since I learned the news of Ellen passing away. I am deeply sorry for your loss. There simply is nothing I can say so I wanted to share a few memories.
I first met Ellen in 6th grade as a St. Mary’s kid attending band practice at the public school. I can still see Ellen standing in her Calvin Klein jeans and grey wool sweater with a single ribbon in her pony tail. It was a big deal to me because St. Mary’s students could not wear jeans. It amazes me how I can still see her so vividly today in my memory. I could see immediately how she was sure of herself and intelligent she was, and I was so quiet and unsure of everything. We were indeed polar opposites. Ellen was always so nice to me, and our friendship grew despite our differences.
I remember sleeping over at your home and Ellen insisting that I cut her hair. We then turned every piece of artwork & pictures upside down on your walls, just for fun. I thought for sure that you would be furious with us and think that I was a bad influence. Ellen was relaxed and laughing and I was coming apart at the seams. What a pair!!!
Over a year ago, I was in the library with my children who were practically rioting (of course). I heard a voice and recognized it at once as Ellen. I thought for sure she was going to toss us out until she recognized me. We had the nicest conversation that day and caught up on each other’s lives. We’ve had many more conversations after that day. I always enjoyed going to the library and speaking with my old friend. She told me about her trials and I shared mine. We both had something in common: chronic medical pain and illness. Unless you live with it yourself it is difficult to understand. We had a connection.
I was so excited for her that she was getting back on her feet and doing her best to live her life. She had a deep appreciation for her parents and how they were helping her. What great parents she has, I thought. Family is so important.
The last conversation I had with Ellen was over a week ago. She was thrilled to be singing again. I was excited to attend her benefit and she kept me updated. It is a real tribute to Ellen that when we spoke the last time she was focusing on the positive and learning about life lessons and trying to move on. I could totally relate. Life is humbling and you either roll with it or become bitter. Ellen was working hard to rise above it all. I am proud of the strong-willed girl that Ellen was and the refined intelligent woman that she had become. I truly am going to miss her. She had become a person of great character through life’s trials….. I know that all those closest to her are struggling. As they say, the good die young……heaven is singing and we are at a loss. I continue to look at my Bible to learn about where she is. For I know she is in heaven……it is my map.
