When I was little, I didn’t think I would have to introduce myself to many people when I was older because I was counting on worldwide fame from at least one of Courtney and I’s homemade VHS tapes. Many of you sitting here today have watched us as wacky weather news anchors, fear factor hosts, marker women, Brittney Spears wannabes, and popcorn eating chickens.
Our home videos didn’t make us famous and neither did our incident at Great Lakes Crossings Mall in 6th or 7th grade. During our annual black Friday shopping trip, Courtney and I were honored when an unidentified stranger asked for our opinion by taking a movie survey behind closed “emergency exit only” doors. Once we were behind the doors and were winding down a dark, long hallway, I quickly realized the situation was bad and the only fame we would be receiving was from our faces plastered on an Amber Alert. When the surveyor asked me my phone number, I gave them a fake one, and without missing a beat, Courtney pipes in and says, “Haley that’s not your number,” and proceeded to provide the correct number. That was so Courtney though, always believing in the good intentions of others. I have so many quirky, clumsy, ridiculous childhood memories with Courtney, like highlighting our hair with sharpie marker, earning our polar bear patches at Camp Geneva, and eating apples in bed. But more than memories, I will cherish who Courtney was and the impact she had on others the most. For me, Courtney was the friend that loved me through all of life’s transitions. As a 6th grader, Courtney, with the help of her mom started a friends grief group for me after my brother died. Once a month or so, I could count on having a group of people to eat lunch with and remember my brother. Courtney was always in tune with deep hurt of others and wasn’t afraid to jump in the trenches and sit with me while waiting for happier moments to come. Watching Courtney become a wife and then a mother was such a privilege. Chris, your wife loved you more than words can express. Her joy seemed so different after meeting you, like there was always a Chris-shaped hole in her heart, waiting to be filled by you. She was so obviously in love. You were perfect for her. She was the best mom to your daughter. She loved sweet Analeigh more than life itself. Michelle, I remember watching Courtney prepare for Analeighs arrival when I realized she was no longer your little girl, but your best friend. Greg, you always encouraged Courtney to reach her full potential, and she was so excited to tell you she was returning to school this fall. She knew how proud you would be. I would like to publicly apologize for hindering Courtney from reaching her full potential on the softball field. I accidentally hit Courtney in the face with a softball when we were younger, forever securing her position in right field picking grass, and causing confusion of which base to run to when she got finally a hit. She ran clear to third base. Jarod, Courtney was always quick to stick up for you and just as quick to lovingly pick on you. I do recall her owning a shirt that said tattle and mine saying tale, I’m sure there were multiple times you took the blame for one of our failed experiments Also, there were countless times you were forced to be our guinea pig, including the time we dressed you up in a pink tutu and took pictures of it. Courtney will always be proud of who you are and the brother you have been to Chris. Courtney was a beautiful person inside and out. She radiated joy and genuine passion for life. Courtney was a servant and it was no surprise when she moved to Mexico to serve at Siempre Para Los Ninos. She was creative, selfless, and funny whether she knew it or not. Courtney loved surprises and wasn't very good at keeping them. The day after Chris proposed to Courtney, she arrived at my parents house early in the morning wearing black winter gloves. I remember thinking it was very odd to be wearing gloves at that time of year but chalked it up to "its just Courtney." As soon as we got in the girls only car to head to Detroit she spilled the beans about the engagement and we all went wild. She kept that secret for an entire 12 hours and I couldn’t believe it. Just a few Sunday's ago she gifted me a beautiful quilt for the baby boy I'm expecting. She just couldn't wait to give it to me and that’s exactly what she said. Standing here today, I have no idea why this is happening. It doesn’t feel real, or right and I can’t make sense of it. But I am confident of one thing: Courtney loved the Lord her God. I remember studying Bible verses with her for hours on end to compete in Teen Bible Challenge. Those words were forever ingrained on her heart and she could still quote large portions of scripture even as an adult. Courtney had no fear in boldly worshiping Jesus. It was evident that Christ ruled Courtney's heart and her faith never wavered and she continued to rely on God as she pursued all of life's adventures. Courtney is with her Heavenly Father today. Courtney, you will be fiercely missed. Thank you for living the gospel and pushing me heavenward during your time on earth. I believe the Michael W Smith phase came shortly after the Brittney Spears phase, and I will cling to God's promise of: Friends are friends forever If the Lord's the Lord of them And a friend will not say "Never" Cause the welcome will not end Though it's hard to let you go In the Father's hands we know That a lifetime's not too long To live as friends. I love you Courtney, and am grateful this is my last goodbye to you because our next hello is in eternity with you.
2 Comments
Eric Peterson
9/24/2015 04:50:54 am
Thanks for this Haley. This helped me in my grief. May God be glorified even when we don't understand. Keep writing.
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Tricia G
9/25/2015 02:29:32 am
This is beautiful. What women, the two of you. Thank you for sharing Haley.
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Hi! I'm Haley. Archives
May 2019
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