I have so many wonderful memories of Paige. I don’t know that I have ever had a more loyal or supportive friend. Paige was just so full of integrity and so loving towards everyone she met. And I remember very vividly--- shortly after she was diagnosed with cancer, I was in the hospital, having just given birth to our first child. Paige was about to start Chemo. I wondered if it would be difficult for her to come visit me. I knew that she was eager to have children of her own and that her life was so hard at the present—not that she would ever let on, but I just knew it was a terrible time for her, of course!
So I was nervous about how to act and didn’t want to appear too excited or not excited enough! I wanted to be very sensitive to the situation. But I quickly realized there really was no need for my apprehension. Paige bounded into the room with the happiest smile I’d ever seen. She gave me the warmest hug and said, “Now where is this little baby girl??” And then she loved my baby and loved me and Blake--- with the kind of love that she was so good at giving. I’ll never forget the beautiful pajamas she brought for me that day. They were gorgeous and so perfect. Paige was so very good at gift giving—part of her thoughtful nature.
That day has always remained impressed on my mind. I knew then even more than I had before, that Paige was a remarkable person. One who had so little of selfishness in her, and so much of love in that sweet heart of hers. She put aside all of her own grief to support her friends. And that pattern continued on even as her trials increased.
And as I continue to think of her every day, I hope that I can increase the love in my heart; let go of my own selfish nature and love others more freely—as she did.
I really miss her sweet voice.
Stephanie
A picture of James, Paige and Esme visiting us in Brooklyn last spring.
Paige and I-- with our babies only a few months apart.
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