Tuesday, August 11, 2009

Untitled

The comments, emails, texts, calls and visitors, even donations of Xanax... have been overwhelming.

I got the cop on the doorstep today. He didn't say anything. He looked at the ground with his hands together in front of him. Thank you, Officer Rose, Officer Swensen, Jennifer, Sheri, and the Lehi Police.

I woke up this morning, and for a split second I didn't know where I was. My mom and two of my sisters were curled up on the floor next to me. And I knew what it meant. The night before, I had begged them not to leave me alone for any minute. They stayed. It wasn't a dream. I was hoping I would wake up, and it would all be a bad dream. And it is, but I'm really living it. My mom sat up and knelt beside me. "So he's still dead mommy. He's still dead isn't he."

She didn't say anything, she just nodded. Tears poured over her cheeks.

I have to hear phrases like "recovering the bodies." I have to return phone calls to people who pleaded for updates, I'm overwhelmed. Not only can I not keep up, but I can't repeatedly break the news that reboyfriend in all his perfection and wonder, died in a plane crash this weekend. I can't make that phone call over and over and over. I can write one blog, though. I can type out one catharsis and hope that replaces all those calls I can't make.

I keep reaching for my damn phone to call him and cry about this worst day of my life. I keep having split-second thoughts where I, just for a second, think of how much better I will feel after I can talk about this horrible day to my boyfriend, to my best friend. That's right before I realize I can't ever do that again.

I'm working to keep food down. I dread going back home, where I will have to go through his closet. Deciding what to do with his things. I have to find a new place to live because I can't go back and live in the home that was ours, that still has his desk scattered with errands and post-its that need to be done today. His smell is on every towel (we shared) and his loofah (ew, we shared that too).

I can't believe I have to go to a funeral, and that it's for him. For them. He was seriously just barely here. My family faced this, sitting in a circle around me this morning after my weeping woke them up. They were forced to confirm that it was not a bad dream. They asked me to tell them what my favorite memory of Jed was. It broke my heart not to have an answer because there were so many memories. And it's hard to revisit them without him here to laugh about with me, add to them, and share his own.

I know I will never be the same. This blog, as those of you who've read it from Day 1, has chronicled nearly a year...of more loss and more bliss condensed into one small person's small life, than you could ever justifiably call fiction. Yet, you so wish that it were. So do I.

Friends I haven't heard from in years call me choking on their own sobs - even when the plane was only missing, but I think others had figure the truth out by then. My friends are sobbing with me. They are in shambles, with me.

The 12-hour span between Jamie calling me at 8:15 a.m. saying they couldn't find the men, and the moment at 8:15 p.m. when Shelley called me to confirm that they were not coming back, I was able to function somewhat. I kept holding to the hope that if they crashed, his studly toughness would have him crawling out, hobbling through the wilderness to find help, fixing everything.

I am surrounded by family, volunteering to make the calls I can't make over and over. If you hear from them and not me, please know it's because I'm in a little bit of a trance. Writing provides a rare moment of lucidity I'm holding onto before the truth sinks all the way in, and I'm no longer functional. If I didn't answer, it's because they had the common sense to turn my ringer off.

The length of life ahead of me without my best friend, looms ahead of me like back to back marathons (we all know I can't run more than 500 feet without being done). I can't email him or text him where he is. I can not give him the kids he begged me for. I hate the Utah Bride + Groom magazine I bought on Saturday to pick out ideas for the wedding he asked for 10 days ago, ignorant to the fact that he had been dead for an entire day when I bought it, with nobody in the world knowing what had already happened.

The phone rings and there is that split second where I wonder if it is him, then the blow of realizing that's impossible.

My family found me slumped on the ground last night, after The Call. I saw the tormented helplessness in their swollen eyes. They were like the tormented helplessness in the voices on the phone.

My 3 year old cousin Allie is pulling my 21-year-old sister Caitlin around on a leash. Caitlin sits. Stays. It's making me smile.

I read the forums in the motocross circuit, where friends of Jed logged on to say what a great guy he was. I know this. More than anyone. I know he was the best man in the world, with a good heart and the most potential.

I can't imagine how inappropriate it must seem that I am on my blog - usually set aside for cataloguing my embarrassing moments and irreverent opinions - the morning after finding that he was so violently ripped from my life. It feels cheap or insensitive. But this is soothing me, so if you found it distasteful, please know that sharing it with you, my online journal and those who have been sweet enough to follow it, is one of the very few things that bring me any sort of comfort. My love to you who read and comment, with so much sincerity.

If you don't know what happened: He and his brother Jordan and their dad, Ron, took off from Jerome Idaho at 11:00 a.m. Friday. The plane broke apart mid-are, most likely after a sharp right turn in violent weather. It wasn't unusual to go a couple of days without hearing from him on one of his adventures, but when his sister called me Monday morning, I knew something was very, very wrong. It took 12 hours from the first phone call to get the final one. It was the longest and most tortured 12 hours of my life. I anticipate worse is to come, but the day of not knowing was living everyone's worst nightmare.

How his mother and other family must be feeling right now, must be unspeakable. All three men in their family, gone with no goodbyes. What were their last thoughts? At noon on Friday, mine were certainly of him. They were of how many days were left till he got home. How will I ever stop this heaving of tears? I can't imagine it ever ending.

If you would like, you can read a little about what happened here, and follow some of the thoughts others are having about him. Bless you for reading.




44 comments:

Melissa Christensen said...

Kirsten,

Words can not describe how my heart aches for you at this devestating time. I often read your entertaining blog, and had always hoped for a happy ending with you two. Lord knows you deserve it after all of the shit you have gone through.

I know it has been a while since we have talked on anything but electronic devices, but if there is ANYTHING I can do, anything at all, please let me know.

My thoughts and prayers are with you, with Jed's family, and with Jed, for what he may be feeling in the afterlife.

Again, please let me know if there is anything at all I can do.

Kristina P. said...

Kirsten,
I just woke up, and literally ran to the computer to leave you another comment, when I saw your new post.

I was up for hours last night, thinking of you, and praying for you and his family, after I read the latest new reports. I went back and read previous posts and saw the post with Jed and his plane, and how happy he looked doing something he loved so much.

I am crying as I write this as I grieve for you and his family. You were one of my first blog friends, and I was so excited to meet you.

I am just blathering on at this point, but I wanted to tell you how much I am thinking of you.

kortnikae said...

Kirsten, my dear sweet soul sister. I can not even express how sorry I am for your loss. You are the sweetest person I know... you are also the strongest. From the moment Coco told me what happened I have been praying continuously for you. I want you to know that anyting you need, we're here for you. We love you sooooo much!

Ms. Hobbs said...

The reason you have so much support from this blog is because you have allowed it to be a window into your heart. People connect with that and I find it totally appropriate that you continue to share the same way you always have.

tammy said...

Thank you for your post. It is not inappropriate at all. Writing down your feelings help to release them and puts things in order. Even if you don't share it with others keep writing.

You are amazing for writing all this. My heart aches for you. You and Jed's family are in my constant thoughts and prayers. I know God will be with you and bring you peace.

Lisa and company said...

Kirsten,
I am sooo glad you are surrounded by your family. I am thinking of you and praying for you. I like so many others have read and watched this romance heal your heart. I also went back and looked through your pictures- especially the facebook album with a title about Jed and his love for flying.
I am soooo sorry for your loss. I cannot even imagine what his family and you must be going through right now.

Again you and Jed's family are in my prayers

Mackenzie said...

I don't know you, but please know my heart breaks for you and your horrible loss.

My prayers are with you.

AriAnn said...

Gosh, Kir. I dreamed about you two all night. It was detailed, too. Crazy. I've never actually met your Jed but he was so happy in my dream. And all of the things (well, the ones that I am aware of...) were present, including you. He was super active and so vibrant! I've no doubt - no doubt - that he's still so happy and still so around you. I'm sure that he hears you when you talk to him, when you cry to him.

Although I never met Jed, throughout the years, I always knew there was something quite unique about your relationship. I knew he was crazy in love with you, even when you were apart. I can't see it any differently now. The hard part is not being able to see him, to touch him, and to hear him. But you will someday, Kir. God isn't that cruel. But until then, you probably won't function up to par. Especially right now.

I wish I could take it from you. But I suppose it's not my fight. It's yours for some reason, even though I can't figure out why it would have to be you, my sweet, sweet Kirsten. However, I will be there for you if you need more support. I will also pray for Jed's family. I can't imagine what his mom is going through.

Stay open. Write, pray, and talk about Jed. I love you!

Anna said...

Kir, I read your post at my desk at work and cried and cried and I haven't stopped crying. Thanks for putting it into words; you said everything that I imagined you must be feeling. I dreamt about you all last night and I can't stop thinking about the nightmare that you are living.

Your work family loves and misses you. we're thinking of you and praying for you.

brandijo1995 said...

Like all before me - I'm @ a loss of words because truly nothing I can say can help you at this time. My heart breaks for you, Ryan, JB, Lonz, his family.....I can't even begin to know how you all must feel. It isn't tacky to try to address all of your supporters on-line with 1 post sweetheart. We all appreciate your willingness to share with us. I'm sure you are overwhelmed by people trying to help you. I haven't known you for that long but I knew immidately that you are an amazing woman. I'm so glad you have so much suport - I've been worried for you. If you need anything @ all - don't hesitate to ask.
Love -
Brandi

brandijo1995 said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Allison said...

kirsten I am so sorry... I don't know what else to say. I just wanted to let you know that you are in my thoughts and I hope you are doing okay.

Mucky-Muck Maren said...

Kirsten - my thoughts and prayers go out for you. Your blog is one of my favorites and thank you for opening your blog and letting us into your life and your heart with all the good and the bad. You have amazed me with your strength this last year. I am heartbroken for you.

I know we don't know each other in "real life" but if you need anything - let me know.

Kelly said...

My dear, dear friend. I know, it's hell and will be for a long time. Continue to take whatever you need from your family and friends. You've filled our buckets, so we've built up enough karma to give all of it back to you.

He loves you so much. Always will.

Every single person here is somber or crying. Know that there is a lot of love coming your way.

I love you,
Kelly

Team Solitaire said...

Please check out the following link for a video of Jed that will make you smile for at least a brief moment.

http://client.jasontublewicz.com/teamsolitaire/video/roughcut/Fixing%20Truck.mov

Ryan Clark

jacee said...

I am so sad for you, My heart is broken. Please let me be here for you, what ever I can do I will be here.

Shauna said...

Add "total stranger" to the list of people who are thinking of you and praying for you. I'm a friend of Marianne's, and found your blog through her's. I'm so sorry-I can't imagine the insane sadness and turmoil you must be going through. So, so sorry.

Anonymous said...

Kir, I'm so sorry. I know that words can't describe what you are going through, words can't describe the pain, words don't do any of this justice. But all of your friends are here for you, no matter what you need we are here. I love you girl.

Kristin

Colin and Ranie said...

Don't ever feel bad for this blog entry. We will miss all three of them so much. Colin is still in shock and hurting...we can't even comprehend what you, Shelly and Regina are going through. We are so sorry for all the pain and unknowing this has brought you. We are thinking of you and keeping you in our prayers along with our family, as well as any and all of their loved ones. See you soon.

Deb said...

My heart breaks every time I think of you and him and his family, and that is all that is on my mind since I heard. Your blog is wonderful, don't feel bad for writing.

Its unfortunate I am leaving my first comment under these circumstances, but just wanted to let you know that I read (and lurk) and I know that you are such a strong person and will eventually overcome this. Our thoughts and prayers are always with you.

Steph said...

Oh Kirsten.

I'm so,so,sorry. I don't have any words, except I'm sorry over and over again.

Know that I have enlisted Spouseman to pray for you (God answers him faster, and better because he is righteous) and your family, and Jed's family. And I'm praying for you too.

I'm so sorry.

Katie said...

My prayers are with you. And so are my tears, and my heart. I don't know what to say. I don't know how you are still standing. Or writing, except that I know that writing helps when you lose someone like this. Against all odds, forcing the words out helps.

I cannot stop crying.

I feel so helpless. I want to fix this for you.

What can I do? (This is the Mormon in me kicking in.) Can I make you food or take you for/bring you ice cream or sit with while you cry? I will do anything within my power to do. And I'll try to move heaven and earth to do things outside of my power.

Unknown said...

I heard about your tragic story from JaCee. Sorry is not enough.

Your family is in my prayers...

Evonne Sell

Melissa said...

Time to show myself. I have been reading your blog for almost a year. I am a friend of natelli johnston's. i actually was drawn to your blog after reading a comment on natelli's blog during the elections. I didn't really agree with your comment so i decided to see what your blog was like. I have loved it ever since!

I just wanted to let you know that my heart is breaking for you. I will definitely keep you and Jed's family in my prayers.

I can tell you are strong and you are smart and you will make it through.

I am so sorry,

Melissa

The Newmans said...

Dear Kirsten,

I do not know you, I linked to your blog from a friend, and as I read your entry my heart was broken. Although it isn't the same, I lost my Dad to a sudden and horrible accident and many of the things you said & are feeling are things I experienced too. Writing your blog, mourning what is, was and could have been, laughing at your cute niece- they are all fine things to be doing. Everyone grieves in their own way. Be patient with yourself. I am praying for you and for Jed's family and every one else who knew and loved him. I am so very sorry for your loss. I send you my love.

Sincerely,
Jamie

Nicole said...

Kirsten,

You don't know me either -- I found you through Stephanie's (MCB) blog several months ago and have been lurking ever since.

I just couldn't NOT tell you how sorry I am, and how much I have enjoyed reading about your life and your strength as you have rebuilt with Jed.

Although it feels totally inappropriate as a stranger to be commenting during such a private time, I also can't help but tell you that I keep thinking about your post where you recounted finding an unsent letter to SH. You said you wished you could go back and hug yourself from 9 months ago to tell her it would be okay -- that happiness was coming.

I can only hope and pray that someday in the future, you will be able to look back at this time in your life in (sort of) the same way, from a place of happiness and peace.

Thanks for letting all of us peek into your life. Keep writing -- people like you keep me sane.

Rebecca Foster said...

I'm so sorry. It's heartbreaking and unfair and I hope you allow yourself to cry every tear you feel inside with no remorse. I'm crying for you, too. You are not crying alone, I just want you to know that.

There is no 'normal' in grief. There is only what is right for you. I learned this the hard way. Please be kind to yourself and whatever you want to do, it's the right thing.

Marianne & Clayton said...

Kir, This isn't the place, but it's the first "time" I've had. We are so devastated over this. I am so, so sorry. I wish I could do any of the million of things for you that I've been thinking of since we heard, but I'm stuck in the middle of the freaking country.

I'm counting on everyone else to help where I can't. Your fortitude through all this so far has been incredible. I love you, and hope this nightmare will soften a touch in the coming weeks.

Michelle said...

kirsten,

i am choking back the tears as i sit at my desk at work. i am heartbroken at the thought of you losing your love. i cannot imagine what you're going through at this point and i don't know what words to say, seeing as how i'm only a stranger. just know that i'm thinking of you and your story has been enough to make a stranger laugh and cry.

Jess said...

I guess I am only familiar to you through my blog stalking tendencies, as are so many who have already commented. I found you through my cousin Stef's blog (MCB) and your blog has brought sanity and laughter to my life.

Even though we don't know each other in real life, I found myself literally weeping over your recent posts. I don't remember the last time I wept like that.

Please know that you are in my prayers (I found myself saying "bless the little red pen").

Even though words seem so inadequate at a time like this, know that there are many who rely on your words for so much, and we need you to keep writing, not only for us, but for yourself.

Becca said...

I keep thinking what if that were me?? I mean what would I do if I lost Ivan. I honestly, have no idea. I can't even fathom the idea or the feelings that I would have to endure. So I don't know what you are experiencing or this Hell you are living. I just pray God will give you strength now and peace with time.

Plain Jame said...

I'm so sorry for your loss. I have kept you in my prayers the last 2 days. Wishing there was more I could do, and that I knew you in person....

Darren D. Johnson said...

Kir,

I know as your ex that it is weird, but I've cried continuously about this for the last few days. What a fucking terrible, terrible thing. A real tragedy. I was so happy for you with him. You seemed so great together. After watching that interview with him, my only thought was that I wish I could be more like him. I'm crying as I write this, and I wish there was something comforting I could say. But I know that at times like this there is no such thing. All I can say is that Moses and I love you, and that, no matter what, you will get through this.

Love,

D

Melissa Miller said...

Jordan worked for my husband, he was an amazing man. I have never met you or Jed, but please know you are in my prayers. We are thinking of you.

chickbug said...

Just a fellow blogger from NYC sending you all the love and comfort possible. I hope you can feel the support that everyone (strangers, included) are sending you.

Hickman Fam said...

Kir,
I have been out of the country and decided to check up on you. I honestly thought I would find a funny post about you and hot and hulky reboyfriend. So this is the first I have heard of any of this. My heart aches for you. I am in shock...I don't even know what to write. Just know that you are constantly in my thoughts and prayers. I love you Kir and I know how much you love Jed and he loves (and always will) you. You are one of the strongest people I have ever met Kir! I pray that you will be comforted and have the strength to make it through the days and years to come. If you want to vent or cry or talk or if you need ANYTHING please, please call me. I am so sorry.

Unknown said...

I don't know you but my heart goes out to you. I am a friend of the mengs. My prayers are with you:)

much love,

Kristen Harris

Troy, Gena and Kids said...

Kristen, I grew up in Paul and went to school and church as a kid with the Mingo family. Our families were friends and my father did business with Ron a few years ago. I discovered your blog in an effort to make more sense of this terrible tragedy that has so affected my home community.

The Mingo family has made an effort to be present at most of the personal milestones in my life and I am deeply appreciative of that.

I have been unable to get the story of you and Jed out of my mind since reading it two nights ago. I am so sorry for both of you! I am so sorry for Shelly and Regina and the girls and Jordan's children. My heart just breaks for all of you.

From the updates my parents provided me over the years, it always seemed like Jed was having more fun than a guy has a right to and I admired (and, even envied; a little :) )him for that. I always admired Ron as well. I did not know Jordan that well but I have siblings who did and I knew he was a good man.

Please know that our entire community mourns with those of you who knew and loved these remarkable men.

Our hearts are broken for your collective loss.

Troy

Ninny Beth said...

I'm sad that we've been out of touch and that I come back to my beloved blogging Kir to discover your aching loss. So beautifully written...this tribute will rise to the ethers and be yet another monument to your love of all things and people but especially jed. I love you.

Anonymous said...

Kirsten- you may not remember me but we MET ONCE IN slc WHEN jED WAS HELPING tHAD AND i BUY A CAR... WHAT HE ALWAYS DID, HELP WHENEVER HE WAS ASKED. i JUST WANT YOU TO KNOW THAT I DON'T THINK IT IS WRONG FOR YOU TO WRITE YOUR FEELINGS, YOUR WORDS ARE SO REAL AND SAD AND BEAUTIFUL. i KNOW SORRY DOESN'T EVEN COME CLOSE BUT i WANT YOU TO KNOW THAT THAD AND i AND THE REST OF OUR nEBEKER FAMILY ARE THINKING OF YOU AND THE MINGO'S. WE ARE SO HEARTBROKEN AS WELL. THAD TRULY LOVED JED AS DID I. HE WAS CONSIDERED A BROTHER AND A SON IN OUR FAMILY. I NEVER SAW HIM ONCE WITHOUT HIM GIVING ME A BIG HUG AND ASKING HOW I WAS. MY HEART ACHES FOR YOU SO MUCH AND I PRAY THAT YOU WILL FIND A PLACE OF PEACE SO THAT YOU CAN LIVE THE LIFE JED WOULD HAVE WANTED FOR YOU. i REMEMBER TALKING TO JED ONCE ABOUT YOU, i THINK RIGHT AFTER I MET YOU. I WOULD ALWAYS TEASE HIM ABOUT GIRLS AND ASK WHEN HE WAS GOING TO SETTLE DOWN. I REMEMBER HIM TALKING ABOUT YOU LIKE HE HAD NEVER TALKED ABOUT A GIRL BEFORE. I HOPE YOU KNOW HOW MUCH HE TRULY LOVED YOU. aGAIN I AM SO SORRY AND I REALLY DO APPRECIATE YOUR POSTS AND HOPE THAT YOU CONTINUE TO FIND WAYS TO EASE THE PAIN YOU FEEL NOW. PLEASE KEEP YOUR HEAD UP AND KNOW THERE ARE PEOPLE WHO ARE PRAYING FOR YOU AND THINKING OF YOU. lORI nEBEKER

Unknown said...

I don't know you, but my eyes sting for you and my heart aches. My thoughts are with you and sending you strength. I pray for your comfort.

Kelly said...

In blog-speak, OMG, girl! You must be effing overwhelmed with the outpouring emotions from fans, virtual and real.

There is so much karma drenching you richt now. Bask, baby, bask, because there nothing but goodness coming your way.

I hope you made it through today's memorial ok.

The sew girls will be there Tuesday. We love you.

Hazel said...

Dear Kirsten,

I am thinking of you; the weight of this news caused my chest to ache - my heart to break. I am so very sorry for your loss.

Keep writing if it helps, write until you have no words, and then wait, because more words will come.

If I had my way, each person who reads would trade with you a bit of your burden for peace.

With love.

aorist27 said...

To all of KIRSTEN'S FRIENDS AND FAMILY:

http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/pages/WE-LOVE-YOU-KIR/145900649011?ref=mf.

Please feel free to participate.

Devan Hite