I lost a close friend yesterday. Bridget died during the night, apparently of a heart attack. I’m not sure of her exact age, but I’d reckon it was late 40s. Far too young to leave us, that’s for sure. Left behind are her husband Chris, two grown children, her middle school aged son Christopher (or Fooey as she affectionately referred to him) and a grandchild. As well as many, many friends all over the world.
As a military veteran and a military spouse Bridget had lived and traveled pretty much everywhere. And everywhere she went she made many friends. Her last stop on Earth was Columbia, SC. During my trip there last Thanksgiving we had the chance to get together, throw darts, tell jokes, and catch up on new events and reminisce about some old ones. This photo was taken on the last day we’d ever be together.
I met Bridget and Chris here in Korea around 2008 or so. Something just clicked for us I guess. She was such a unique person with a wicked sense of humor. Real, nothing fake about her. She was kind and generous and also full of piss and vinegar. Always fun to be around someone like that–you never knew what was coming next. I don’t let many people get too close to me, and Bridget was one of them. Which makes it especially hard to see her go.
She was big time into darts of course, which gave us plenty of opportunity to spend time together. Hmm, that’s the ill-fated Jeremy. One dead, one in jail, and one wondering what the hell is going on.
Bridget’s favorite exclamation was “What the balls!” which she freely used in just about any and all situations.
Bridget captained our dart league team, and in her honor we named ourselves “What the Bulls?”. We won the league championship that season.
And while we were all in Korea we did a bit of traveling.
Here we are at the West Sea.
I retired and moved to South Carolina. Shortly thereafter, Chris was transferred to Savannah, Georgia which afforded us the opportunity for some weekend get togethers, here or there. I came back to Korea, and the Werner’s eventually set down in Columbia. I told her stalking doesn’t work if you wait until I’m gone.
Chris and Bridget. She surely did love that man…
This joke fit Bridget to a T. She laughed when I posted it on Facebook and tagged her…
Well, you had to know her I guess. And you can be sorry you missed the opportunity. I will never forget her, I know that much.
Here’s hoping there’s a well-lit board wherever you may be in infinity…
What the balls!
Wonderful tribute, and yes, I’m sorry I missed the opportunity.
RIP, Bridget. And sincerest condolences to you, John.
sorry buddy. only the good die young it seems-what the balls?
My condolences John. Bridget sounded like one of those people we need more of in the world.
Hello. I’m Bridget’s sister, Lōnie. I found your blog by chance while googling. I really enjoyed reading your reflections of your friendship. After she passed away I was fortunate to meet a few members of her huge dart family. So many fun people, and I know Bridget loved y’all dearly cause quite often she’d speak of the many cool people she’d met & and the good times you all had. I miss her so much, and it really warms my heart to see how many friends she had. Thank you for sharing. 😀
Btw, she was 49 and would have been 50 this November. She wasn’t happy about approaching 50, and of course said it “was balls”. ;P
Lonie, thanks for dropping by and I’m so very happy you discovered my humble tribute to your special sister.
We have reconstituted the What the Bulls? dart team and are playing the season in her honor. So far we are undefeated! Feels almost like she is there cheering us on!
Man, she would’ve loved that! Especially the undefeated part. 😀
Best of luck to the team for the rest of the season!
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