Picture Polish Hope – Happy Birthday Kelly

by Lisa Heath

Today’s post is slightly different from my usual posts.

Kelly and Lisa

I met Kelly our sophomore year of high school.  Our last names were close, so we sat next to each other in all 6 classes together and eventually became friends.  Over time, we hung out together almost exclusively.  Rarely did anyone see one of us without the other close by, and we were pretty happy with that.

After high school she moved to San Diego for college and I stayed here and took on a second job.  We remained in contact but didn’t get to see each other much because of our schedules, but when she was here visiting family we’d go out to dinner and pick up like she never moved.

In 2005 she was the maid of honor in my wedding and when I told her I was pregnant she was overjoyed!  Unfortunately, she never got to see my son.

Kelly

In October of 2006 she came up to attend a wedding, but was only here for a short time and we didn’t have time to see each other, so made a promise of next time.  On her drive home at the end of that weekend, her boyfriend (who was in the passenger seat of the car) said he was dozing off and heard her singing to a song at the top of her lungs (which wasn’t unusual for her) when she said “Oh my God” and the next thing he knew the car was flipped over into on coming traffic.

Kelly’s car had blown a tire and she lost control.

She was airlifted to UC Davis Medical Center, and a few days later her machines were shut off. With her death, came life. Kelly donated five of her organs, and saved the lives of four people

The reason I’m typing all of this is because this would have been her birthday weekend. She would have been 31 had that accident never taken place.

I wanted my mani today to be something she would have loved, and I know she would have loved Hope by Picture Polish.

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Happy Birthday Kelly.

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24 comments

Kelly R August 18, 2013 - 4:50 pm

A wonderful tribute post to a gorgeous young lady. Hugs to you.

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Adventures in Polishland August 18, 2013 - 4:56 pm

What a beautiful manicure, and a touching story. I’m so sorry you lost your friend, but I’m glad her memory lives on.

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Jess Scull August 18, 2013 - 5:02 pm

Amazing story.. I have tears in my eyes. Love you <3

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Sheila Gage (@ScottishLass10) August 18, 2013 - 5:16 pm

Wow – such a sad story and tragic loss. HUGS. You chose a beautiful tribute mani.

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Jeanie Barbee August 18, 2013 - 5:18 pm

This is a such a great tribute to Kelly!

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karigold August 18, 2013 - 5:28 pm

I lost my best friend at 16 & I know how hard it is…. that was a long time ago but I still think about her, share the milestones of my life with her & miss her. Very touching post, God rest her soul.

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Doria August 18, 2013 - 5:38 pm

Oh my gosh … this is so incredibly sad :( I’m so sorry and I’m so honored that you shared this with us. I’m sure she would have loved your tribute to her <3

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boo August 18, 2013 - 5:41 pm

{hugs} I am so sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing her with us tonight.

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mariaemmafaria August 18, 2013 - 5:43 pm

I’m so sorry to read this, thanks for sharing this personal entry with us, it reminds me of seizing the day!
I’m glad that the family decided to donate her organs and give others the gift of life! Cheers for that!

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Danielle August 18, 2013 - 5:53 pm

A wonderful tribute. I’m so sorry for your loss.

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Patricia Knetzer August 18, 2013 - 6:01 pm

I’m so sorry for your loss! :( Thank you for sharing with us. She lives on through your memories of her, and the life she gave those four people <3

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Ashley Haddock August 18, 2013 - 6:18 pm

I am so sorry for you loss. ♥ A very beautiful tribute mani.

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Emily Lacquerologist August 18, 2013 - 6:31 pm

Ah Lisa, what a touching post. She sounds like an amazing woman who touched many through her life and her passing. Beautiful tribute <3

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365 Days of Color August 18, 2013 - 6:42 pm

oh Lisa! I am so sorry for your loss. This was a beautiful tribute. xoxo

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Jen Sky Walker August 18, 2013 - 6:51 pm

This is such a beautiful and touching post! It is always hard to lose someone, especially so suddenly. It is sweet that you did a tribute mani for her and her memory will live on. <3

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Colleen August 18, 2013 - 7:29 pm

I’m so sorry for your loss! What a wonderful tribute to her!

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Pam August 18, 2013 - 8:35 pm

I am sorry for your loss. Such a gorgeous mani, and a beautiful tribute to Kelly. It’s a wonderful thing she did, to donate her organs to save others. Beautiful. ♥

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Gina August 18, 2013 - 10:27 pm

I am sorry for your loss. What a great tribute post. I am sure she is looking down smiling at you.

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Gillian August 19, 2013 - 12:34 am

Incredibly sad story… this is a beautiful tribute.

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Leslie August 19, 2013 - 3:50 am

What a sad story, Lisa. But this is a beautiful tribute.

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Debbie Crumpet August 19, 2013 - 10:43 am

hugs xx very eloquent, and so simply written.

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Toria Mason August 19, 2013 - 12:33 pm

What a sweet and sad story. So much emotion! The nails are perfect for this…it’s like the heavens on your nails.

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Koneko August 23, 2013 - 8:33 am

I am so sorry for your loss. The picture of Kelly is beautiful, she looks like a vibrant wonderful young woman and friend to you.

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