Hot-N-Ready Heidi

Heidi Chamberlain died on Friday the 20th. Heidi was my co-worker for 10 months. She was the run-off queen. We shared an office and each others friendship. Heidi was hospitalized back in the 1st week of October when her aorta burst. She beat the odds and survived, but the damage from the lack of blood flowing to her brain ultimately led to 7 weeks in a coma, and massive rehabilitation to have any bit of a normal life. Even after making significant progress like learning how to breathe on her own and walk again, she didn't want to live like that. Everyone who knew Heidi deep down knew she would have rather of died that have been a burden on her family. After telling Greg she didn't see herself getting any better she let her spirit slip away.

We had visited Heidi back in the end of January and it just broke my heart to see her like that. She didn't look like Heidi. You could tell that her tinkle and spunk was missing. It was extremely emotional as she cried the whole 45 minutes we were there. When I went to leave she grabbed my arm and wouldn't let go. I knew more than anything that she didn't want to be there. If she could of held on, I'm sure she would have had me drag her all the way back to North Ogden. Greg showed more dedication and love that most people will ever realize. He was at her side every free moment he had. I had only met Greg twice but, I'm amazed that he recognized me and talked to me like an old friend. Even more so at the viewing I watched numerous people offer there sympathies and he reacted with kindness, but be actually put his am around me and thanked me for everything I did. I feel unworthy of such a compliment where as I really didn't do anything special.

Heidi and me really gained a tight friendship quickly. Moving to Bates from Marlon was such a great opportunity and Blessing in my life. As much as I learned at Marlon I didn't enjoy it there. I could talk with some of the teacher and was actually friendly with some of them, but I was never able to forge a great friendship with anyone. They were a very closed school to new people, new ideas, as well as helping other. I was instantly accepted at Bates and feel an integral part of the dynamics of this school. Heidi was key in making my welcome here special. We were more like brother and sister than co-workers. We were able to give each other a hard time, help each other out, and listen to each other problems all in the same conversation.

What amazes me the most is what I didn't know about The influence i had on her. Staci and me had the chance to talk with her daughter Michelle at the viewing and I'm humbled by a few of her compliments. She said how much Heidi loved me and how many times she told them how good I was, and how good some of the advice I gave her was. Even if it was just getting wallpaper off a wall. I can't believe Michelle thought about the Hot-N-Ready pizza was a big enough part of her life to bring it up in the funeral. It was just me teasing her by tripping at Little Caesar's pizza and hurting her shoulder. I came up with the slogan Denise made the signs and we hung a few up. To think that was funny enough to make her share it with her family then be used in a funeral. I guess you can never take for granted the time you have with someone and the impact you might have on their lives. I'm not a very compassionate or sympathetic person. I joke with most people and I like to have a good time. I never would have imagined that the impact I had on others could be so influential in their lives outside of work. Heidi will be missed by many people. I miss her friendship. She truly was a great person, all 5 feet of her. I hope that her family will be able to move on and know that this is what she would have wanted. Goodbye for now, I'll see you on the other side.