Remembering a friend

Sometimes for me, writing words are easier than the spoken word. Sometimes I can express my feelings better when I write it out than speak it.


So hear goes.

A year ago tomorrow, or today, depending upon when you read this, I lost a good friend and a great person; hell, Columbia lost a great person and a great friend, when Missy Glenn, the executive director of the Susquehanna Valley Chamber of Commerce, suddenly died, the day of the chamber’s Bridge Bust.

A year later, I still can’t believe she is gone. And I know I am not alone in this. Her chamber board members, volunteers, friends and others she came in contact with should feel the same.

My heart and prayers go out to her family – Kerry, Hilary and Nate on this day and I know the struggle they have had over the past year. Again, for me, its one of those things, I don’t know what to say to them, other then stay strong, be safe, and remember your wife and mother for the great person she was and continues to be as she looks down on us.

I couldn’t help last year at the Bridge Bust because I was still learning how to walk again after my accident. I found out about her death while having breakfast at one of her favorite places the Daily Grind. I can easily remember the shock and wanting to pick up the phone and call someone. When I needed something, some information or to talk to someone, she was the first person I called. So it was only natural on this day, I started calling the chamber and caught myself saying “wait a minute, she’s not there anymore.”

Missy was Columbia’s gem. She was always there, not only for her family, but for her friends and the town of Columbia. Our town has changed greatly over the last year, mostly because she isn’t there in person, to help. She’s above us now, helping us in a different way.

I can still remember my last conversation I had with her. It was asking me how I was doing and an issue with an employer in Columbia, who didn’t understand how we do things here (I will leave it at that, because I think most people know, if they don’t, call me and I will tell you).

I’ve been thinking about this all week. Like two recent letters I wrote, this is the final draft after a number of attempts to find the correct words. Just kind of down in the dumps this week thinking about how to write this and some of the emotions started flowing in my mind last night when I attended the Strategic Economic Development Plan, which she helped organize. Today, well, I decided to sit down and finish this.

Missy was a tireless worker for Columbia. She bled crimson and gold. She was one of a kind and a great friend, who I miss very much.

Thanks Missy for what you did for Columbia and being a sounding board. And don’t be too rough on us as we move forward as a community, that has and will continue to have your imprints all over you.

My prayers and heart are with Kerry, Hilary and Nate this weekend.

I would like to continue, but I can’t. The emotions are starting to get the best of me, so I will stop.