Fast forward to May 12, 2006 when like Katrina my daughter Megan was killed in a car accident. One of the first people at my side was Charline. Charline and I had known each other for years. We attended the same Church and our girls knew each other. They were kindred spirits loving little children. Charline did not say on the phone do you want me to come? She said I am coming and come she did. She wrapped her arms around me in a tearful embrace and said "Honey I know what you are going through." In the back of my mind I knew that even though we had known each other we had never really known each other until that day. She came to Megan's visitation handing me an Angel pin that I wear. She was at Megan's funeral and later admitted to me it was very hard because she knew Megan.
Hardly a day goes by that we don't either speak to each other on the phone or email. Some of the most beautiful emails I get come from her. Even though she is a busy woman with a business of her own, she takes out as much time as she can to be with me. We go out to lunch, spend a lot of time in Hobby Lobby and Michael's and she takes me to the Megan's grave to do special things like send balloons up to Megan. We also go and visit Katrina at her graveside. One day we spent six hours together and we were both very tired.
The best things about my friend Charline are she is compassionate, loving, patient, and kind. She is a generous soul. She's funny and outgoing and will tell you like it is. I am so very blessed to have Charline in my life. Not everyone is so blessed. I hear many stories about friends turning their backs on friends after they lose a child. I don't have that worry I have Charline. Below is a poem I wrote in honor of our friendship. You will also meet her daughter Katrina on a special Angel page I am making. I Love you Lady!
When I look into you eyes what do I see?
I see Love and Acceptance
Patience and Kindness
No Judgement dwells there.
I see Silliness and Sadness
Pain and Grief beyond compare.
I see my Friend
Who am I when I am with you?
I am totally myself
I can be as Silly as I want!
Not have a care!
Or I can Cry and Vent,
And ask you why we are both on this Journey?
When I am with you I see
Mother, Sister, Friend, Companion, Mentor and Confidant
I see someone who can be Silly as she wants!
Not have a care!
Someone who lets me see the real you!
I see my Friend.
Written for Charline Greer, Friday November 3, 2006
By Mary Lynn Baker
