When I first met Misty, I thought she was "fake". She was always happy, great smile, loving, positive, generous, sweet and kind. After spending the last 2 " Sammy's " with her - 16 years, I found out it was all true. Misty and I always tooted out own horns and would say " everyone should have a great friendship like us " but it sure hurts to say goodbye when you love someone so much.
I came into her life when she was having a hysterectomy, needing babies and she came into my life during my divorce and I needed a friend. I gave her Ben, Lucas, AJ and Olivia. She gave me friendship. She has not only been my best friend but my mentor, my sister, my sport enthusiast, my cheerleader, my coach, my counselor and my babysitter. She watched my babies grow and they love and adore her more than words can say. We had been blessed to live in the same town for many years and then States apart and we always remained "besties". We always made time for each other. We were a package deal. Most people who know me, knew Misty.
I will never forget the night I was alone with my 4 kids and it was bedtime and I needed milk. I was in my kitchen on my knees, praying to God and there was a knock at my door. Misty stopped to say goodnight to my kids. God provided me with an Angel and now that Angel has returned home.
We have had many many adventures and she always said that I was" sunshine in a box "and that I could have " fun in a paper bag". I think she may have been talking about herself.
When I first met her, she was married to Erik and they were part of the "gang", Erik, Sherry, Mike, Squammy, Marnie and Jeff. They were so weird. They got together every Friday night for 20 years at a local pub and talked politics, literature, pop culture, anthropology and the sort. Weird huh!! I was spending time in gyms watching my kids play sports. I never felt like I fit in with them but they loved Misty, therefore they loved me and Misty had time for us all. It's that package deal.
And then there is Jay, sweet sweet Jay or should I say" pork chop, stickman, giant toddler, chop, sweet pea". I have been so blessed to spend so much time with the Claassen's, thank you Jay. Misty loved Jay longer than he ever knew. She would talk about how "hot" Fej's twin brother was for as long as I can remember. I have never met a couple who adored and cherished each other like Misty and Jay. Their love was deeper than I have ever seen and an inspiration to us all. The gifts they gave each other were insane. They were always talking about each other and would spend hours on the phone when they were apart. They were the most compassionate, sensitive, adoring, loving couple I have every met. Jay will need everyone's love and support. He is such a great guy and had lost the love of his life. Please call him often and keep him in your prayers.
I know this is all personal but her professional career speaks for itself on Facebook. The tributes and dedications to Misty are so awesome. I got to lay with her last weekend as she read them to me. She was so humbled by the words, songs, poems, prayers and dedications to the most amazing woman in the world. Misty gave hope to everyone for a better tomorrow. She has molded many social workers, foster children and alumni and all around by her courage, strength and love. She lived that way and she died that way. She loved everyone.
We always joked that if I had another child, I would have to give it to her. Luckily she had Jay who isn't terribly fond of human critters so I got to keep Sammy. He is and will always be "her little critter".
And now it's time to say goodbye or should I say" until we meet again ".
I am so blessed to have gotten to spend so much time with her and Jay these past 6 years through her illness and helping Jay. It has meant the world to me. Thank you to my dear husband, Kevin, for allowing it and supporting me through it all and to Sam and Olivia for understanding that I needed to be with Misty until the end. My family and friends have been great.
Misty, you will always be in my heart and soul and in the hearts and souls of others you have touched physically, emotionally and from a far. You will continue to give us strength and courage to continue on. We will all look for coins and listen to the" Misty birds " singing your praises. You are my bestie, my angel, my love.
Connie
Owner/Editor - Chris Chmielewski