Memories Shared

On June 17th, I gave birth 7 weeks early to my son. On June 18th, I texted Stacey to let her know. That night, she came to the hospital with a burger and soup from Local Foods, a recess drink (a drink she introduced me to), and flowers. She stayed for a few while I shared with her what transpired over the last 24+ hours. My husband said Stacey was going through each moment with me with some much care and concern. She offered to bring dinner the next night, but Cris already ran out for dinner. Stacey took our daughter to a friend’s son’s birthday party that weekend so my husband and I could go to the NICU. She drove me to the NICU the following week 3x before her trip to MI. She brought me an iced rose petal latte from LaTazza each time (a drink I introduced her to and we were both equally obsessed). The night before their trip, Ryan dropped off their SNOO for my son to use. They even purchased brand new bedding and swaddles for us to use in addition to sweet Colton’s hand me downs. Everyday I texted her Xavier’s NICU updates. Everyday, she cheered us on. The day of the accident, her last text to me was congratulating us for moving to NICU 2. At 6:58pm CT, she sent me and our other bestie, Kristen, a best friend reel, as she always does. I believe this reel was sent a few moments before her accident that occurred at 8pm ET.

Stacey was always willing to help me. I could count on her for anything. The last few weeks of her life she was a pillar for me to stand on. I don’t know how I’ll move forward without her. When I see a pink sunset, I feel her. When I see items in my house she’s given to me or we have in common, I see her. I miss her so much. She deserved the world.

- Jeslie Mathew
Friend

Some of my favorite memories of Stacey take place at Baker Beach in San Francisco.

Rocky was the center of her world—her constant companion on road trips and adventures up and down the California coast. And somehow, without fail, he always knew when we were getting close to Baker Beach. A few blocks out, he'd start jumping up and down in the back seat, wiggling with an excitement that would make both of us smile.

The second we parked, he'd take off—bounding down the sandy slope and flying back and forth across the beach like he owned the place. Stacey would just stand there and watch him, lit up with this pure joy. Seeing Rocky that happy, that free, made Stacey glow.

I think about her most on that beach. The coastal fog and occasional sun, the beautiful bridge, and sweet Rocky running full speed toward the water, and Stacey laughing beside me. I remember this moment so clearly and fondly of Stacey.

That's the image I go back to when I miss her—Rocky mid-air on the sand, the bridge behind him, and Stacey's face lit up watching him run. It's a small memory, but it holds everything I loved about her: her joy, her love for that dog, and the way she found so much happiness in something so simple. I'm grateful I got to share it with her.

- Hanna Robinson
College Friend and roommate in the Bay Area

The Four of Us

West coast Creative with artistic flair,
Thoughtful & kind
(unbothered by cat hair)

East coast philanthropist,
Embracer of tradition,
Loyal heart forward is her greatest ambition.

One friend from the state
Where everything is bigger
(like her heart)
In the medical field—a generous giver.

Then there's the friend
From the south
Who cherishes what friendship is all about...

It's about learning to love cheese
And laughing a lot.
It's championing one another
When things are great
And when they're not.
It's meeting one another
At new destinations each year
From all over the country
To right here
Where we find ourselves reading this poem—
Reminding us that joy is ignited
By our smiles.

From Ann Arbor to our hearts
That are scattered about.
Friendship stitches us together
Throughout the years.

— river city street poet

(A fridge magnet that Amber had gifted the four of us)

Stacey was one of a kind and the countless laughs, tears, and joy we shared over 30 years was something I'll hold close to my heart and soul forever. I'll love you always.