When class let out at RHS
we'd head over to the Roadrunner.
We sipped cokes, smoked and told jokes.
We gab away about the breaking scandals,
foibles and doomed love affairs vexing ourselves
and fellow classmates.
Cartoons danced on the back wall
fully animating the teenage angst
running rampant in the room.
In between bites of Mr. Snyder's
delicious French Fries and
charbroiled burgers,
Beamie would share her wise counsel,
opening an understanding ear while
offering an obliging shoulder
for tears and comfort.
Sharing with Beamie,
a trouble disclosed was instantly halved,
joys were resoundingly doubled.
Beamie’s resolute friendship
was beautifully wrapped
in the simple gift of her presence.
The loud jukebox would blare
Alice Cooper’s “Eighteen”
Black Sabbath’s “War Pigs” or
The Who’s “Behind Blue Eyes”.
Beamie didnt care much
for hard rock so she
sidle up to the juke,
drop a dime and play
Chicago’s “Colour My World”.
Beamie loved the song.
She’d get lost in the rapture
of its ethereal melody. For her,
I believe the song reflected the empathy
and deep emotional connection she so cherished
with friends and the people she deeply loved.
So to honor our dear friend, I plunk
another dime into the juke to spin
her favorite tune once more.
...As time goes by,
I realize, just what
You mean to me…
Dearest Beamie,
we marvel at the
rich abundant life
you crafted for yourself
and all who were blessed
to be touched by your love.
You leave this world
surrounded by a
thriving family and
a diverse community
of friends authored
by the love you so
unconditionally
shared through a
selfless life…
...And now
Now that you're near
Promise your love
That I've waited to share...
Beamie, you have kept
every promise, every pledge
you made to Lou, Michelle,
Jessica, Mason, Haley
Julio, Norberto and
your diverse group
of colleagues and
beloved friends.
Your love created a
new generation that carries
the blessed DNA of a vibrant
spirit.
It will grow and illuminate
the pathways and hearts of
many successive generations.
...And dreams
Of our moments together
Color my world with hope of loving you...
Beamie, you lived
a well lived life.
As your travel back
to the *****
of eternal love,
your spirit walks
with all who you
loved and all who
deeply loved you.
The hues, palettes
and rainbow of colors
you generously painted
onto family and friends
indelibly marks our identity
The memory
of your perfect
alabaster smile
ignites a instant joy
at the mention
of your name.
Your round brown eyes
manifested the earthen
wisdom you generously shared.
The scarlet flame
of a fully bloomed
summer rose
recollects your open heart
and sacred home
and the warm hospitality
offered to all who were
blessed to knock on your door.
The emotional avowal
of your ebullient embrace
chased away the blues
of doubt on many occasions
and reassured the
affirmation of friendship.
The silver strands
of your noble tresses
crowns your being
in maternal saintliness.
Dearest Beamie,
So many in this
drab gray world
have been colored
by the brilliant palette
of your blessed life.
I know you added
some wonderful
pictographs to the
multicolored mosaic
of my life's story.
I bless you for
our golden friendship.
Well done beloved.
God Bless and Godspeed.
love, mac
Kathleen P. Bumpass
3/25/56 - 6/1/17
Music Selection:
Chicago, Colour My World
6/2/17
Long Branch
jbm
written for a beloved friend
and recited at Beamie's funeral service 6/5/17