Dellyce

I met Dellyce in my first year of college at Brigham Young University. At least, that is what I'm told. I find the details rather murky. I guess that is what age does to you. Still, I can't say I knew the moment even at the time. I just remember her being there. Looking back, she just was one of those constants during those years, always present, as if she belonged there. Of course, my dating her roommate had something to do with that. What followed that year was the building up of one of the most trusting relationships I've ever had. Through that year of double-dating, I got to know one of the most engaging women I have ever known.

Dellyce, at least as I knew her, was a quiet and reserved person. I say that as more of a contrast to myself. I had an extroverted humor and a quick tongue. I remember so well her looks toward me when I said something risque or a little off color and her muted chuckle. The knowing glances we shared told me a lot about her. She had a wicked sense of humor.

I want to write a little bit about the period when I spent the most time with Dellyce. It seems a bit egocentric considering that in order to write about what I know about a person, I have to make mention of what was going on in my life but I'm not sure how else to approach it. The year before my mission was one of the best of my life. I built friendships that I wanted to keep the rest of my life. George and Dellyce were some of the closest friends I had up to that point. I remember one moment in particular on a double date we had up to Temple Square to look at the lights. When looking at the Christus through the window from outside, I was overcome with gratitude for my friends, for school and how things were turning out with me. I am particularly driven by gratitude in my life and for the love of friends and in my thankfulness for being with such wonderful people, I committed to go on a mission.

The best year of my life (at least to that point) was followed by my worst. I relied on George and Dellyce for emotional support through it all. I felt so dependent upon the few people that I remained in contact with and I'm so happy that George and Dellyce were there for me.

After returning, I had limited contact with them because I was immersed in my schoolwork. I remember vaguely the times when my fiance, Tracy, and I visited them, probably for tacit approval of our relationship, as their opinion meant a lot to me. I attended their blessing of Richard. George also took our engagement photo and was there for our wedding, also taking our wedding pictures after the ceremony. For some reason, they tolerated my rambling and horrid humor for all those years.

After graduation, Tracy and I moved to Southern Utah and later to Phoenix. We made frequent trips back to Utah, always making sure we visited to renew our friendships. That tradition continued even after moving to Chicago and my trips back became less frequent. Often I or my family would visit and stay with them for a time. Dellyce was sometimes there, sometimes not as she was also out and about visiting her family.

One of the last times seeing Dellyce was during a visit where my life seemed to be falling apart for a lot of reasons. It was particularly raw because there were so many things I was trying to figure out and any guard I kept over my emotions was absent. If there were any two people I felt I could trust with almost anything, it was these two. It was a very emotional trip for me and they still didn't cut any ties with me afterward. I couldn't find two better people for me to meet and bond with so many years previous.

Earlier this year, George called and told me of Dellyce's illness and her decision to not seek treatment. Within an hour Tracy had me booked on a flight so I could go and say goodbye to my friend. Unfortunately, I didn't get the chance to tell her but I hope that she knew how much she was loved by Tracy and me.

I can't say I have any profound things more to say. I'll miss my friend. She saw me at my best and my worst. She tolerated my irreverent humor and her smile and laugh are permanently enshrined in my memory. Of the few people I would do anything in the world for, she was one of them.

I'll miss you Dellyce. Until we can get together and make fun of Utah again, I'll do what I can on my own. I'll also continue to pester George as much as I can.