Connie H. Baker

Suzanne, ever since I received your email, I've been thinking about Connie...and you...and the time I came to know her, and you, and Walt. I'm sorry it's taken a few weeks for me to put "pen to paper," so to speak. You came into my life at just the right moment and, by extension, your lovely parents. I was doing the math and I think we are now older than Connie would have been when you and I met. She was going through a tough time...My juvenile brain couldn't quite process it. I look back on it and wish I would have asked her how she was doing more...and been more empathetic, as she tried to figure things out. But there were a few things that were clear from the jump: she adored you. She absolutely adored you and wanted only the best for you. She was proud of you and beamed when she spoke of you. Of course, she also loved those cats, which were regularly the source of misery for me on those nights we would stay at your house instead of mine. But she did her best to take care of me and make me feel welcome and comfortable, even amid my sneezing and wheezing 😊. She was a kind soul, and her love for the Braves was unmatched. I also distinctly remember how she used to love to change her answering machine messages frequently. My favorite started, "these lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer..." and then it went on to say something about the Braves pitching line up. Speaking of the Braves, I met up with her once at spring training when I was in college visiting my grandfather in Jupiter. So funny, looking back on it now. I mean, it was pre mobile phones...how did we manage coordinating anything like that back then? I know I have a picture of the three of us there - I don't have it with me here in London, but I will have to dig it out next time I'm home. Of course I moved around a bit...but Connie and I would cross paths - even if only digitally - and she was always so supportive and lovely and encouraging about me and what was happening in my life. She was always so grateful to me about our friendship and that I was there for you when you needed someone - and I would remind her that I felt I was the lucky one to have met you when I did. I'd also be remiss not to mention that night that we were being dumb teenagers in the basement and she caught us (I mean, seriously, HOW did we think she was not going to hear us???) and she gave us a stern talking to, but saved me from my parents' wrath...again, she led with kindness...and I think she also knew just how awful we both felt. (Is it silly that I even get nervous recounting that here, in case my parents should read this...because I don't think I ever told them about it?!) You have always had a smile that can light up a room - and to look at pictures it is so clearly from Connie. It is one of many gifts she bestowed upon you, and one of the many ways she will always be with you. I am thinking of you, my friend...and I do hope, once we all get through this current turmoil, we can get together and raise a glass to Connie. Much love to you. Your friend, Amy