I simply called her "Stephanie"
How do you go before thousands of people and report the death of a special friend?
I had that undaunting task last week. My friend of 17 years, Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones died last week suddenly and unexpected of a brain hemorrhage due to an aneurysm.
When we were together there were never any titles, I was simply Romona and she Stephanie and that's just the way we liked it. We laughed a lot.
I first met her years ago when she was Cuyahoga county prosecutor. She and her late husband Meryvin were at a gala at I believe the then Stouffers Hotel.
I was new to town, didn't have a date and didn't know most of the hundreds of people at the event.
She walked over to my table, flashing a big smile and introduced herself and her husband and quickly said; "why are you just sitting here rocking to the music, get up and dance girl." "I don't know anyone most people have dates and there are no single men here, I shyly replied." "Come on she said grabbing my hand and dance with us, we don't care!" There I was on the dance floor with the two of them, just laughing the night a way... and a friendship was born.
I still look at her emails everyday, I can't bring myself to hit the delete button.
The latest one was about my husband. She so wanted to help bring him to Cleveland because she knew I had grown tired of the commuter marriage. She was armed with his resume determined to help him in his job search.
I keep watching and listening to her on my wedding DVD and the beautiful video message she left for me. She was so thrilled for me even though the love of her life of 27-years had passed on.
At the end of her message she tells me she loves me and to call her anytime, no matter where she is, she'll always be there for me.
I get upset during that part, because I can't call her anytime, she's gone.
But through my faith, I know the words she spoke are true. Stephanie will always be here for me and the thousands of peoples lives she touched.
Labels: Stephanie
posted by Romona at
4:37 PM
15 Comments:
Stephanie was a wonderful lady. Very inspiring. My dad passed away suddenly the day before she did. I have been looking at cell messages and texts from him and cannot bear to delete them, I know what you mean about that button.
I guess the only comfort that we can look at now is that both Stephanie & my dad (and many others) are up in heaven, having the times of their lives. It just hurts here on earth until we get our invitation to heaven.
Jen
Hi Jen,
I'm sorry for the loss of your Dad.
You sound as if you're doing well.
I do know well will see our loved ones again and you're right its just so tough without them here on earth.
Thanks so much for writing. Its comforting.
I too lost both my mother and father without warning. There is no greater loss than that. I know the emptyness you are feeling, and hitting that delete button. I remember the last time I talked to my mom, and at the end of the conversation, I said "Mom, I love you" and she said "I love you too". We were not the huggy kissy kind of people, we just knew that we loved each other, but knowing that the last thing I ever said to her was "I love you" made the next few days a little more bareable. They are in heaven looking out for us, and we are lucky people to have had these angels in our lives.
Beverly
Hi Beverly,
You are so forunate to have gotten a chance to say "I love you."
So many people mean to say it, or take it for granted their loved one knows it.
But after the recent loss of several people I loved, I'm never gonna be shy about saying those three simple words.
May your faith keep you strong.
Hi Romona, I didn't personally know Ms. Jones, however, reading your blog let me know more about the type of warm hearted person she was. I know you are missing her, but remember she is in a beautiful place and one day you two will meet again.
A fan of yours,
Jill
I have dealt with my fair share of loss of the years; the two worst experiences were losing my son and my father. Please know that both of them were there to welcome Stephanie and they are all looking down on us and in their own way still taking care of us. There will be signs that Stephanie will give you to let you know that. For me, I will smell hyanciths or see a butterfly and I know that that is directly from heaven. My daughters and I have had butterflies land directly on us and stay there so there are always signs. My mom will smell my dad's cologne in the house so even after 8 years he is still there!! Stephanie may be gone physically but that doesn't mean completely!! Just look for the signs, they will come.
I work downtown and usually don't go out for lunch but today my husband and I had an appointment. I noticed all the people dressed in their fine clothes and as they passed or met they all asked of each other the same question...Are you going to say goodbye? I instictivly knew who they were talking about; I knew they meant Stephanie. My family has been in the funeral business for many years and no matter how many times you see a sudden death you never seem to understand it. I am a little odd in my family as I look at things very matter of factly.
I believe this was the way things had to happen for Stephanie to make the biggest impact of her life on everyone, but especially the Democratic party that she so passionatly spoke of. In her passing she has brought together people from all walks and people who may never have stopped to meet each other. Now she is singing as an Angel in heaven.
When my Aunt passed away in 2006 I woke up in the middle of the night writting, it wasn't until morning that I saw the paper and pen and read what I had wrote, I felt as if an angel guided me and now Stephanie will be an angel who guides from above.
GOING HOME
I am going home to the ones I love, those past the stars and the sky above.
Guided to heaven; angels on winged flight. Cradle me gently through the deep onyx night.
Those gone before me, whom I've missed for so long, have all turned out to welcome me home.
They tell me a banquet, a party, a feast, waits for me beyond mortal reach.
Beyond the glory of all imagination, and into the light of blissful peace and joyous celebration.
I will leave you to go on without me here, but my memory will live on year after year.
Don't cry, my family, I leave you my love, to soar past the stars and the sky above.
Joanna M. Gotwald
12/2006
I work downtown and usually don't go out for lunch but today my husband and I had an appointment. I noticed all the people dressed in their fine clothes and as they passed or met they all asked of each other the same question...Are you going to say goodbye? I instictivly knew who they were talking about; I knew they meant Stephanie. My family has been in the funeral business for many years and no matter how many times you see a sudden death you never seem to understand it. I am a little odd in my family as I look at things very matter of factly.
I believe this was the way things had to happen for Stephanie to make the biggest impact of her life on everyone, but especially the Democratic party that she so passionatly spoke of. In her passing she has brought together people from all walks and people who may never have stopped to meet each other. Now she is singing as an Angel in heaven.
When my Aunt passed away in 2006 I woke up in the middle of the night writing, it wasn't until morning that I saw the paper and pen and read what I had wrote, I felt as if an angel guided me and now Stephanie will be an angel who guides from above.
GOING HOME
I am going home to the ones I love, those past the stars and the sky above.
Guided to heaven; angels on winged flight. Cradle me gently through the deep onyx night.
Those gone before me, whom I've missed for so long, have all turned out to welcome me home.
They tell me a banquet, a party, a feast, waits for me beyond mortal reach.
Beyond the glory of all imagination, and into the light of blissful peace and joyous celebration.
I will leave you to go on without me here, but my memory will live on year after year.
Don't cry, my family, I leave you my love, to soar past the stars and the sky above.
Joanna M. Gotwald
12/2006
Joanna,
I so loved your poem.
It reminds me that Stephanie will have the time of her life now, leading and guiding up above.
She was so looking forward to the Democratic Convention, she must be smiling and amazed up above at the outpouring people wanting to remember her.
Thank you so much.
Hi Romona,
While I know your loss was great, you are blessed for finding in Stephanie a true "girlfriend". Not all women can truly say that they've found those women in whom they could confide, share a laugh and yes love. Your relationship sounds special and you will always have that to remember. Sudden losses, especially those that occur when someone who is relatively healthy, do indeed take the wind out of you. I suffered similar loss of my 77 year old grandmother who, acting as treasurer, was in the midst of planning her 60th high school class reunion. She was up rooting for the LA Lakers in the playoffs at 11 p.m. and dead by the following morning from a pulmonary embolism. Believe me when I say that God is faithful to provide healing to that empty place in your heart. We mourn with you, but not as those who don't have hope. We can only pray that we will see her when Christ returns.
Linda,
Your grandmother sounds like she provided you with so much joy.
I'm a huge sports fan so I know she must have been a "hoot."
Your words are encouraging because my faith is strong and I know what you speak is true.
Thank you.
Romona -
What a nice tribute to Mrs. Tubbs Jones. I thought you did an excellent job when you reported on her - it was evident that she was your friend, and I can't even begin to imagine how hard it had to have been for you to report on her without breaking down. You're an excellent reporter! I am so sorry that you lost such a wonderful friend - but like you said, she will ALWAYS be with you...
God Bless,
Laura
This is to say hello and to let you know how much my family enjoys watching WKYC.
The day starts at 5:00 am with Mark, Abby, and Holli and ends with Tim, Ramona, and AJ at 11:00.
I am praying for you today. With the death of Stephanie Tubbs Jones I'm sure the next few days aren't going to be easy.
There is a specific kind of faith that God will give us during these times. I call it "let go faith." God is just, not always fair, but He is just. Our ways are not his ways and we have to believe that He has a reason for all that He does. It takes more faith to let go of those we want to keep with us than it does to be able to let go of those we want to keep in our lives. May God grant you a never ending source of let go faith as you endeavor to keep Stephanie's legacy a lasting memory of a great human being.
Be blessed today.
Donna Caudill
Romona,
My condolences on the sudden loss of your dear friend.
While I disagreed with her on most of the issues, she is a politician I certainly held in high regard. She had such a welcoming smile and was so friendly. That smile just said "Come here and talk to me!"
It is so hard to loose someone without getting the chance to say goodbye. Many will be celebrating Stephanie's life and accomplishments. I pray that celebration helps diminish your pain.
I tried to put this on your blog but the verification information didn't appear on my screen.
God Bless,
Rachel
Rachel, Donna & Laura,
I tried commenting separately to all of you, but couldn't figure out why my computer won't allow me.
Just wanted to thank the three of you for your thoughts and wonderful responses.
People often say they feel like they know me since I come into their homes each night.
I now know what they mean, because I've been in such a funk this week, still trying to muster up a smile when I really didn't want to... and its been my television family that's helped to bring me through this.
Thank you so much.
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