I am still sorely missing my friend who died last week. First there was shock of her sudden death, then the celebration of her life and now, the reality that my memories with her are done being made.
Especially hard I think because she is the first friend I have ever lost, but perhaps this kind of thing gets harder as life goes along.
Out of I don't know where, I gathered the strength to speak at her funeral. It was the hardest thing I have ever done. I have spoken at my Dad's funeral and also my 101-year-old cousin's but this was harder. There were many people I didn't know there, she was my age and there was also a camera telecasting the service to another room for the overflow in the UU church.
I am so glad that I honored her though. I am always glad when I do things that scare the daylights out of me, but this time in particular, I had a story to tell. I honestly think she pulled me through it.
"I am Liz’s
friend, Louise.
With Liz's
passing, we have all lost a glowing light in our lives.
Last Thursday
morning, like the flip of a light switch, she was gone.
For years Liz
has been my walking buddy.
Who knows how
many miles we treaded,
while trying to sort out the complexities of life.
Lizbeth,
You
were my nature girl.
The girl who
got me to see so many things that I would've missed had I not been with you.
A bird in a
tree.
A track in
the snow.
The first
sign of spring.
You were a
confidant.
You were my
cheerleader.
You radiated love.
Who will ever forget your smile?
Your soothing
massages provided my 95-year-old mother and so many others, the human warmth
that we all need.
After every
massage my mom would say to me
"Liz is
such a kind and loving person."
And we all
know that about you-
and it is
what I will miss most,
my dear dear
friend."
