Last night I was scrolling through Facebook when I learned about the untimely death of an old classmate. Marla. I was stunned by the news, and then deeply saddened. Tears welled up in my eyes as I tried to digest this shocking and unexpected news. Someone who I went to grammar school with, attended birthday parties with and played with in the school playground was no longer with us. It took me by surprise, as it did with other classmates.
I shared the news with my husband as I needed to tell someone, and he was surprised at how hard I was taking the news considering I hadn't seen this girl since high school, some 28 years ago. I was surprised, too. I thought about why it struck me so deeply and I concluded that it was because she was one of the few school friends that I had who never judged you and just wanted to have fun. She was easily likable, silly and always funny. She was someone who you couldn't think of a bad thing to say about.
I can still recall having a birthday party for my 8th birthday and Marla was there. She gave me a stack of coloring books for my birthday, and that's the only gift that I can remember from that birthday. I loved coloring books! And I even found a picture of her from that party. She even had an adorable face, an approachable face.
I suppose the other side to this news is that it happened to someone who's the same age as myself. She was only 46. I have found the 40s to be the best years of my life. I wonder if Marla did, too. I hope she was happily married with kids. And I think she loved her job, but I'm not sure what she did. I hope life was good to her.
I wish I could have had one last chance to see her and laugh with her. But it wasn't in the cards for us. I'm glad I did have her as a grade school friend. I smile when I think about those days. May God watch over her family and close friends as they say Goodbye Marla.
Laura, my name is Marty Maloney and a friend of mine alerted me to your blog about Marla. I just wanted you to know a bit more about Marla and let you know that your kind words brought a great deal of comfort to Marla's family and friends in these darkest of days. I met Marla over 25 years ago through one of my best friends, Drew Fitzgerald, whom she married.
ReplyDeleteMarla became a Special education BD teacher about 18 years ago. Every student that entered her classroom walked out knowing they were capable of greatness, that they were loved, and much was expected of them because they had much to give. Teaching was never a job or a career with Marla but a calling. She shared stories, laughs, and even tears with all of us regarding the children she loved so much. She was tireless and had an enthusiasm rarely seen when it came to teaching.
Marla and Drew have one son, Jack, who is 13 years old. He was a true miracle and the biggest light in both of their lives. Drew often has said that the only thing he gave Jack was his hair and eye color, that the rest was all Marla. He is like her in so many ways. He has a kind and gentle soul and immediately becomes fast friends with all he meets. He has her wacky sense of humor and has had all of us in tears with his impressions and jokes. I am truly proud to know him and consider him one of my best friends despite our considerable age difference. Marla did all the heavy lifting in shaping this wonderful young man and the results are obvious.
After reading your post, Drew decided he would make a copy of it for all to read at Marla's service this Thursday. Like I said earlier,I wanted you to know it brought tremendous comfort to her family and friends that you took the time to share your recollections of Mar. It is sometimes is easy to forget or not realize the impact people have in our lives. There must be thousands of stories like yours regarding our sweet girl. Drew specifically wanted me to give you the arrangement details so he could possibly thank you in person. The wake will be on Jan. 31 from 3 to 9 at the Brust Funeral Home in Lombard on Main Street. I truly hope we can all meet you and share some of our stories with you as well. Thank you thank you and thank you again!
Marty
Hi Marty,
DeleteThank you so much for the kind words. I was so moved by what you had to say. I didn't realize that I had brought Marla's family and friends so much comfort. I was simply expressing what I was feeling and felt so compelled to share what I remember about Marla, which obviously never changed. It sounds like she was a remarkable woman. I am so honored and touched by your feedback and how my words are being shared with everyone. I can't even begin to tell you what it means to me. I will be at the wake. I look so forward to meeting you and Drew, and the rest of the Fawells. I haven't seen Marla's mom since I was a little girl. Thank you again for your kind words and for sharing with me your story about Marla. Take care, Laura