[img]1325|left|Alex Campbell ||no_popup[/img]Dateline Boston — I’ve been thinking about death lately. This week marked 22 years since my mom died. I’ve now known her longer in death than in life. Surreal. Alcoholism sucks.
A few days ago I found out on Facebook that a woman I went to college with died last week of cancer. She was 40. In the 18 years since graduation, I’d only seen this woman a handful of times; we weren’t particularly close, but whenever I did see her, we hugged each other. She always had a smile. She was one of those people you addressed by both first and last name. In college, she worked in the cafeteria, and she had a reputation for whipping up the best omelets, made to order. Her death was a shock. I had seen her somewhat recently, still cheery, smiling, nothing amiss. I heard that she went quickly. Cancer can do that sometimes.
When I was in elementary school, I had a friend, M. He lived across the street from me, and we were in the same class for three years. He was my first crush. We’d spend hours on the phone. He was the first person I ever got that “tingly” feeling with. We hung out a lot. When I moved to California to attend high school, M and I lost touch after a few letters back and forth. Some years later, I learned that M committed suicide; he hanged himself. I was, and continue to be, so sad at his loss. I miss him, and I miss our childhood together.
A couple years ago, I got reacquainted with M’s three siblings through Facebook. His eldest brother W and I are now in contact every day. We play Words With Friends together. When we were growing up, I hardly knew W. He was the older brother who seemed to always be doing grown-up things.
Look at us now. Who would have thought that M’s big brother and I would be instant messaging through a Scrabble-esque game, complimenting or teasing each other, depending on how many points were scored? I think it’s pretty cool that we’re in touch. Once again, I’m grateful to Facebook, and now to Words With Friends. Who cares if he usually wins? I score with wonderful memories, every single time.
Ms. Campbell may be contacted at snobbyblog@gmail.com
