One of my most dear friends died Christmas morning. She spent Christmas Eve Day with all three of her children and 2 of her grand-babies. Her eldest announced a pending birth of the next grand-baby and I’m told she was overjoyed. Her children found her the next morning in her bed.
She was one of the most kind, loving, caring people I have ever known. She was great at caring for others and I was no exception. Belinda was one of the first people that reached out to me at the very beginning of my recovery. I didn’t know it then, but I was at the end of my first marriage. I went to medical detox and was to come home to an empty apartment, my significant at the time leaving me while I was in detox.
In order to avoid coming home to an empty disheveled apartment, Belinda invited me to stay at her home. Prior to going to detox, I hadn’t eaten in a month. I ate what they served (to the best of my recollection) and was now on my own to make food decisions. I remember choosing iceberg lettuce and strawberries.
I was devastated to be losing my first wife and sober 7 days. It’s a dark place to be. Belinda’s idea was to take my mind off of things, even for a short while. She put in a DVD of Jeff Dunham, the ventriloquist comic. I sat on the floor of her home eating a plain head of lettuce, and strawberries dipped in sugar. And we laughed. She didn’t try to fix anything or make me feel better. We just laughed. This was in 2009 and we have been friends ever since.
Belinda was one of those friends that became close and never let that closeness fade. She was so warm and quiet and calm. I moved from Wichita that same year, but we never lost the closeness, no matter how long it had been since we last spoke. When anything important happened in her life, she would call, as would I.
I was called for the announcement of her wedding, pending births of grand-babies, and almost anything her children were doing. When one of her children came to look at the campus at KU, we spent a lovely day on the hill.
Most recently, on August 11th, 2021, Belinda’s wife Gloria died. Belinda was devastated. I went and spent several days with her helping with Celebration of Life arrangements. Since our very first experience together, when I stayed in her home, she has been so comforting to me. I always wanted to extend that same gift to her.
This time the call came from one of her children, Becca. My phone rang Christmas morning and I knew something was wrong. I cannot imagine what her children are going through. I am grateful that her love lives on in them. I never once questioned her love for me. May I give that same love to her grieving children. They have been part of the joy of knowing the most fabulous Belinda Boston.
My Dearest Belinda, I know, even in death, that you are concerned about the pain your children are currently in. Believe me when I tell you that the comfort you brought others continues. They will be okay. Rest in Peace, dear one. I pray you are enjoying your release from earthly limitations. I pray your soul has found Gloria’s and any others you had lost in life. Thank you for your friendship and love. I am a better human because of you. Love, Holly
The Isms of the Ic 