In the Blink of an Eye: In loving memory of Cristina Nardone

How many times have you considered the amount of time you spend at work vs the time you spend living your life? I contemplated this thought almost every day during my college career. Friends and family were always pushed aside so that I could dig a deeper grave, umm I mean, climb the ladder in my chosen field. For example, school vacations were usually an opportunity to work another sport event-Orange Bowl, PGA events, Surfing competitions, and other football championships...

However I could feel the lasting imprints of this life. I had barely any friends, no time for the few friends I did have, a family that could not accurately say what it was I was doing or stuyding in school since I barely came home. I worked hard, slept harder, and never played...

This is where Peace Corps comes in...

Was I ever going to have another opportunity to slow down? Where else could I have the solitude and peace of mind to reflect? Peace Corps was the place where I could redefine my direction in life; find new friends, a new passion, a new focus, a new spirit, a new perception of the world... A place where I could grow into the woman that my friends and family could relate to, love, respect and furthermore, a patient woman that could listen and enjoy the small things in life.

Frankly, Peace Corps has done exactly that! How many people get an opportunity like this? How many people get it and take advantage of it? I know somebody who was given this opportunity and took complete advantage of it. A person whom I will forever respect... You see, Cristina did everything that I have mentioned...

Recently, I was attending the "Junior Achievement Africa" conference. It had been a long month prior to this event-planning and implementing a week long activity for Global Entrepreneurship Week, Thanksgiving and now a 3-day conference! I was exhausted after the first day. But I wanted to say good-bye to a friend who had early terminated his service. He was scheduled to leave Mali that evening. I wanted to go out and say my good-byes because I didn't know how long it would be before I would see him again. At the end of the day, I had a conversation with my friend who was at the conference with me about whether I should go or not go.

"I'm tired but I want to say good-bye to a buddy of mine. Are you going?"
"No. But you will probably see him again in America."
I replied, "But Peace Corps is a place where I've decided to put forth that extra effort for my friends which I didn't do in the states. A place where I could and have found a balance in life."
My friend replied with, "I have always tried to find that balance. I believe I have found a good balance here and when I was in America."

We also spoke of how our friends change as our lives change. The people we work with, live near and go to school with. It depends on where you are in life. You become friends with those you invest time in getting to know... At this point I still had not decided to go or not to go out with my friends that evening...

I said to my friend, "I will be right back. I am going to take out my contacts."

* * *

I step around the corner with a fresh pair of eyes. My friend has a a cigarette in his hand as he motions to come near. He says, "Holly, Did you know Cristina Nardone?" "No I didn't know personally but I know who she is. Why?" "Because she has just passed away."

pause

"Wait a minute! what happened?"
"There was a freak accident at an opening ceremony for a water tower. It fell and .... she was under it when it came down."
"Oh my ____, I am sooo sorry. Didn't ya'll come to Peace Corps Mali in the same group?"
"Yeah"
"When was the last time you saw her?"
He cast his eyes down and said, "The last time she was in town, a few weeks ago, she asked me out to dinner but I couldn't go because of work. Holly, I guess this goes back to our conversation about work, life and finding balance."

Sigh, this conversation continued but with many awkward silences... He was very close to Cristina along with many other people in Peace Corps Mali. There wasn't much one could say... It doesn't get any easier to comfort those who have lost someone even with age it is hard to say the right thing. It is hard to deal with, bottom line.

I didn't realize that our conversation would end up being so profound. A life was literally lost in the blink of an eye. We never know when we are going to leave this earth. We have no idea what kind of imprint our life will leave on this earth... The conversation and realizations from that evening will forever stay with me and remind me that life requires balance. Needless to say, I went out with my friends that evening and my friend ended up staying the rest of the week for the memorial service because he was very close to Cristina.

(Like always, Cristina Nardone looking beautiful!)

Cristina Nardone was a super volunteer. She had a spirit, or better yet, a spark that radiated through for all to see. Everybody that came in contact with her was changed. She poured herself into everything she did-work, friendships, and relationships-in life. She was seeking that balance. The life she had carved out in Dogon country was impressive and even daunting for some people. The projects that were implemented-tourism in Dogon country- are enriched because of her involvement.

May God comfort her family, friends and fiance during this difficult time.