Submitted by J.D. Holloway
MY PHOEBE IS BEVERLY MAYFIELD...Bev and I met in 2001 at Portman Holdings in Atlanta, GA. I was the new executive assistant to the CFO, and she worked in the accounting department. I had not been there too long when one day she approached me and introduced herself and invited me to go with her on her smoke break. Taken aback by her introductory request, especially since I wasn’t a smoker, I told her that I would catch up with her later.
However, that explanation wasn't good enough. Addressing me in what I came to realize was her normal rough and aggressive tone, she told me that she didn't care if I didn't smoke and that I should just drop what I was doing and come with her. I laughed and told her she didn't scare me and that I had an aunt in NY who she reminded me of, so I was ready for whatever she brought on. We both laughed hard and, I realized at that point that there was something about this woman that made me instantly like her. I knew that we would become best friends after that exchange.
Four years later, my mom was diagnosed with early onset dementia at the age of 55. Hearing me share the sad news and wanting to just shut off from the world and wallow in my pity, Bev exited the friend category and stepped up to second mom status. Anything I needed, she was right there to help. When I planned birthday parties for my daughter, she cooked. When I planned holiday dinners, she took over and had me and my family come to her home with her and her husband, who became "Uncle Ralph". When my son got his first real job with us, she looked after him like he was one of her own. She taught me how to make macaroni and cheese and sweet potato pie. When my husband and I went on vacation, she and Ralph joined us, and we traveled all around the Caribbean!
There were intimate moments where we shared our fears, our pain, and the secrets that I could only share with her, because her heart seemed to understand my heart. I could call her anytime day or night, and she was right there -- especially the time when I needed someone to bring a $12,500 check to the car dealership to purchase my daughter's car, since the dealership would not accept a third-party insurance check. Bev showed up on the scene on one of the coldest days in Atlanta, GA, check in hand, cursing (Oh, did I mention that she cursed as a part of her regular vocabulary?) and praying hard that she could take my insurance check and get it to her bank before the dealer cashed her check. (I believe that's called check kiting!) That was my Bev -- someone who loved unconditionally and demanded the same in return.
Bev transitioned to her heavenly home in February 2017, less than two weeks after my mom passed away. I didn't have her in my life for as long as I would have wanted, but she was there long enough to be impactful and life changing. Today, 2 ½ years later, Ralph is still a part of the family and continues to travel with us. Maya, her daughter, is always around, and we unconsciously incorporate her into our normal family life. She's just like Bev, which makes the relationship so totally comfortable.
I will always miss having Bev around and being able to have a friend to call on at 5 a.m., but never after 7 p.m. because she went to bed so early.
She was truly a blessing to me; she was My Phoebe, and I will always cherish the memories and love we shared.
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