Trycia

I wanted to write a post about the beautiful birthday celebrations that we recently had for my boys, but unfortunately I need to purge first.  My heart is heavy today with the news of a good friend's passing. My sweet friend, Trycia Carlberg, lost her battle with cancer yesterday after a 6 year battle that started as Stage II Breast Cancer that later spread to her bones, becoming Stage IV. Words are so inadequate in trying to describe Trycia's effervescent personality, her contagious smile, her caring heart, her bounty of talent and maybe most importantly, her strength of spirit.  I met Trycia in March of 2000, working on a kids' stage show for Universal Studios, called "The Rugrats Magic Adventure".  We were dancers in the show, playing the part of the main character's (Angelica) favorite doll: a messed up "Barbie", if you will.  There were three of us, playing the identical role, as in the magic show, Angelica made 3 of us appear to help her perform her magic tricks. This show, and meeting the people I worked with was a major turning point in my life.

The year I met Trycia, was probably one of the hardest that I've been through as I was dealing with a failing marriage, that soon after ended in divorce. Trycia was one of the friends that was there for me through all of that. We spent our time as friends cutting to the chase and pondering the "deep stuff". Our combinations of personalities always had us diving into the deeper meanings of life- we just weren't there for small talk. Not only did Trycia and I love our in-depth conversations, but she was quick to laugh and it was infectious. The years that I spent working nearly daily with Trycia, turned out to be some of the happiest of my life. Despite the difficult relationship I was leaving behind, I ended up meeting and falling in love with Charles, who I married 4 years later. Trycia was there for that too. When she was diagnosed with cancer in 2006, I was devastated that something so awful could happen to someone so good, so healthy and so young.

When I think about my life and the course it has taken over the last six years, it really puts into perspective how long Trycia fought cancer.  In that time span, I started a new business, lived abroad, had 2 children and absorbed the news that my youngest has Down syndrome- which because of the life altering effect it had on me, makes the last 2+ years seem even longer. Trycia also experienced a lot in that time: marriage, which unfortunately later dissolved, a trip to Korea for some cutting edge treatments, surgeries, chemo treatments, reconstructive surgery...really more than a person should have to handle.  And yet, she handled it with quiet strength and grace.  I know that she learned a lot about herself and what is truly important in life. Not too long ago, we talked at length about life's unexpected lessons- that despite seemingly challenging and horrible news, there are always silver linings.  This is why Trycia was inspirational.  She made a profound impact on most who knew her.  She made a profound impact on me. Just knowing that her smile is no longer gracing this earth, makes me burst into tears.

Next week, I will join Trycia's family and friends in celebrating and remembering her life. I know that her family has financial burdens as a result of her lengthy battle against cancer, as well as the many expenses that crop up in saying a proper goodbye to someone you love. Outside of the Buddy Walk, which benefits people living with Down syndrome, I don't often do this. I am asking for your love and support, and hopefully a small financial contribution that I can bring with me to Trycia's family next week.  I set a high goal, even though I know that her family would be appreciative of any small amount.  However, I think it's the least we can do.  My little blog still seems to see a little more than  a hundred readers a week.  If we each gave just $5, that would get us halfway to my goal. I hope you'll join me. I've create a Chip In widget. If you click on it, you should be able to donate any amount and do a small blessing for Trycia's family.

I will miss my friend.  I am so grateful for the last conversation I had with her. Trycia was a performer- a singer and a dancer and she loved being that.  I know that cancer tried to steal that from her and that it was painful and difficult for her to dance in the end.  My greatest comfort is in knowing that she is dancing free of pain and entertaining the angels in Heaven now.  Goodbye for now, sweet Trycia.  You were taken from us far too young, but your spirit lives on in so many of us.  Dance, sweet friend. Dance.  One day, I will join you on the stage again. I love you.