Though Christy and I have kept in touch since high school, there were times when we didn't visit quite often as we were adjusting to 'adult' life and Christy busy with babies and starting family life. Eventually, we had the opportunity to visit more often, Jim and I would come down and always come over to Christy and John's when we'd go to Vegas and during our wedding plans, it was so good to see them more often. Since our reunion in 2000, we (a group of us that had stayed in contact) decided to start an email loop and soon after planned our first Vegas get together in March 2001 with a few other long-time friends. A tradition was born... with trips and visits in between, but the annual 'Vegas trip' held special times for all of us- Christy, myself, Jim, Julie, AJ and sometimes Nat and Rob. It was finally a time to get re-aquainted on 'adult' terms and we found ourselves enjoying the comfortable environment that only long time friends can provide.

So, it was ever more bittersweet that Julie was to be married there. Julie, Nat and I met up in October just to process and deal with grief issues in order to TRY to be more sane on Julie's wedding day knowing Christy wouldn't be there. For the most part, we subconsciously promised to enjoy it like she was there. There were a few bittersweet moments for us all at different times. I think we really wanted to hear Christy complain about having to be at Star Trek AGAIN... and then see her laugh and 'play' as we were preparing for the day. We really could've used her optimism when little things went awry.

But we all commented that she was there - in little ways, from me thinking she was guiding me down "shortcut" streets, to little phrases that we would mimic throughout the weekend. We saw "Motog" and lamented how nice it would have been to fix her up with a Klingon (hee hee). Her love, laughter and personality is still present with us all. We had a picture of her at the reception with a candle and her name still on the guest list. We miss her terribly, but know that she is the reason why we had such a "memorable" time. :-) And maybe it was her fault that Martha Stewart Living showed up to videotape the wedding at the Star Trek Experience and the "asteroid" cake - because we ALL know Christy would think that was the funniest thing ever!!