Bev, Friend Extraordinaire

Bev and Lynn in the 80s

 

My exceptionally good friend, Bev, left us on September 28, 2011.  She was a sweet and gentle soul, and the world is less without her.

I first met her when she and her husband, Joe, moved in next door to us in Charlotte in March of 1976.  Adam was two weeks old.  Although I didn't notice any action over there that day, Jim came in and said he thought there was somebody in the house next door.  So, while Adam slept, I ventured over and knocked on the door.  Bev answered, carrying 18 month old Joey on her hip.  (I can still see that picture today.)  When I introduced myself, she immediately invited me in for refreshment and a visit.  I did go in briefly.  Bev had a cooler, a lawn chair, and a diaper bag, but she was generous enough to offer hospitality to me!  As it was clear that she was waiting for the movers, I made an excuse about the baby sleeping, but invited her over after the movers left.  She came, we had tea, and a wonderful friendship sprouted that day.  It endured over great time and great distance, but we always picked up where we left off...giggling like school girls; musing about husbands and children, parents and siblings; lamenting the state of public education; and all those other mundane matters that weave the fabric of life; and which cement the love that friendship brings.

Bev had a sweet and gentle nature that calmed even the most restless, but that gentleness belied a constitution of steel...the consummate "Steel Magnolia", despite her northern roots!  Her unrelenting devotion to her family was reciprocated in their unrelenting devotion to her.  Husband Joe calls her "my beautiful Bev", and is as clearly in love with her today as he was they day they married in 1972.  Her children have basked in her love and have observed the strength of character that it takes to rear a loving and productive family...with uncomprising love and support, while allowing each member to grow in his/her own way.  They have each established strong nuclear families of their own, and are a testament to the power of "Mama".

I bid her farewell reluctantly, for she has enriched my life beyond measure, but her spirit will always live in my heart.  I will always love you, Bev.