My OperaDr. Mary Jane McLaughlin
Friday, September 22, 2006 7:40:12 PM
I was contacted last night by my old friend Jan Sorencen. He called to tell me that a high school friend - Mary Jane McLaughlin - has passed away.
These situations are always hard to understand and even greater when they happen to someone like MJ. My connection with MJ is a long high school related thing. Unfortunately, like most friendships, after high school, communication slacked and eventually was nothing. It may be odd to mention that at this time but I lets me talk about one of the effect it has on memory and regret.
It has been a long long time since I've seen MJ. Since being contacted by Jan about her death I have had a great experience remembering all that I can about her. The memories are many and continuous. I feel it interesting that through remembering MJ I feel emotions and recall events that allow me to rebuild experiences that I had with MJ and other friends. I imagine, like most people - who have learned about MJ's death - have done the same thing I have done - something I haven't done in a long time - open my year book. The memories where overwhelming, joyful and sad. I am thankful for that moment to remember everyone and MJ. The experience was enjoyable just like Mary Jane was in life.
MJ's death has also brought me much regret. I regret that my contact with Jan was under these circumstances. I regret that I have fallen out of touch with so many friends. I regret that my contact with MJ wasn't sustained. Regret has made me realize just how much of who I am was built from my experiences and the people involved in building those experiences. Mary Jane was part of that so I regret not being able to say good-bye.
If you would like to state your condolences you can at Castle Funeral Home - Kings Chapel.
These situations are always hard to understand and even greater when they happen to someone like MJ. My connection with MJ is a long high school related thing. Unfortunately, like most friendships, after high school, communication slacked and eventually was nothing. It may be odd to mention that at this time but I lets me talk about one of the effect it has on memory and regret.
It has been a long long time since I've seen MJ. Since being contacted by Jan about her death I have had a great experience remembering all that I can about her. The memories are many and continuous. I feel it interesting that through remembering MJ I feel emotions and recall events that allow me to rebuild experiences that I had with MJ and other friends. I imagine, like most people - who have learned about MJ's death - have done the same thing I have done - something I haven't done in a long time - open my year book. The memories where overwhelming, joyful and sad. I am thankful for that moment to remember everyone and MJ. The experience was enjoyable just like Mary Jane was in life.
MJ's death has also brought me much regret. I regret that my contact with Jan was under these circumstances. I regret that I have fallen out of touch with so many friends. I regret that my contact with MJ wasn't sustained. Regret has made me realize just how much of who I am was built from my experiences and the people involved in building those experiences. Mary Jane was part of that so I regret not being able to say good-bye.
If you would like to state your condolences you can at Castle Funeral Home - Kings Chapel.
