Weathering the Storm

As I sit here typing I wish I were somewhere else. You see, my dear friend Brandie is dealing with loss today and I so much want to hop on a plane and fly to Tennessee to be with her. I have tried to stay strong and find the right words to console her, but I have no clue what she is going through and where she is emotionally right now.

I met Brandie in July of 2001 when I graciously brought her onto my sales team. What would ensue was a lifelong friendship that borders on the lines of family. Brandie is like a sister to me, and even though she chose to move thousands of miles away from me in 2005, I still have that connection, that love for her than can never be severed.

Brandie was the first person (aside from my immediate family) to show up after the birth of both Joshua and Dominic, and she has been there for me in every milestone of my life for the past 8 years. I remember her hiding out in the backseat of a car so that she could attend our wedding. She is crazy like that. There is something about the two of us that we can go months without seeing each other and just pick up where we left off. She is truly a kindred spirit; a second sister; my best friend.

For the past two years, Brandie has gushed as she talked about wanting a second child. JR was a honeymoon baby so her husband, John, wanted time to adjust to family life and ensure that they could financially afford a new addition. She became pregnant a year ago and lost the pregnancy within weeks. It wasn't easy for her to cope with, but I know her strength carried her through the ordeal. John insisted they wait to try again for fear that they just were not "ready" for additional strain on finances. Brandie patiently waited for the past year to get things in order, sell and buy a vehicle to lower monthly payments, and took excellent care of herself to ensure that when they were ready to try again there would be no hiccups.

I was elated two months ago to get the call.....she didn't have to say anything, I knew. She was pregnant again, finally! I was so excited for her and John (and JR). She waited 10 long weeks before she made the announcement to her entire group of friends and family, only to find out on Monday this week that this pregnancy was not meant to be. As I drove to Bakersfield Monday I received the call, "do you have a few minutes to talk?" The exact words from my mouth were, "this is not going to be good." I knew.....the sound of her voice said it all. My heart sank and I held back tears as I knew she would weather another storm, and all I could do was be supportive and stay strong.

So today, Brandie, as you deal with a hurricane of emotions, please know that I love you and that I will be here for you in any way that you need me. You truly are a blessing in my life and I want nothing more for you than to be happy, and to be a mom again someday. It WILL happen and we will all celebrate when it does.