I started writing a post that I thought was pretty funny. All the elements of humor were there but somehow, I just didn’t feel right. I didn’t feel like being funny.
One of my closest, dearest and best friends passed away suddenly. She was just 65 years old. And she was a young and vibrant and beautiful and caring woman.
Losing a friend feels like this.
There’s a lot going on in my head as I write this. We’re not immortal. We’re not going to be on this earth forever, as much as some of us would love to be–we aren’t.
I’m also a bit angry because why is it that a truly good and kind person dies suddenly and we have a filthy example of humanity leading our country. Sorry folks–this has nothing to do with politics and everything to do with good people vs. evil ones.
Life just isn’t fair at times..
Anyway, I don’t want to be angry. I don’t want to be sad. And I’m really sad today. I’ll be packing my bag because tomorrow I’ll be heading out of town for the funeral.
If you have a friend or two that you haven’t been in touch with for a while, might I suggest to pick up the phone and give them a call. Friendship is a gift that we take for graI wonted sometimes. We always figure we’ll see that person again and don’t give it a second thought.
Margaret and I had kept making plans over the past year and they never came to fruition. I will be seeing her but not under the circumstances that I should be seeing her.
So I’ll be hanging in there and will be posting next week. I just want to let you know that each and every one of you who read my blog is a friend–and you are special to me. Take care of yourself. Be kind. Be good.
And take your work and your life seriously–but don’t take yourselves too seriously!
See you next week!
I’m so sorry Catherine. Thank you for reminding us about what is important in our lives-family and friends we love. And we also love bloggers that share their lives with us. I really enjoy your blog and look forward to your posts. Wishing you safe travels.
Thank you Marianne. Bonaparte filled my car up so I’ll be good to go! Off to pack. Thank you again. XOXOXOXO!!!
So sorry for your loss! Thank you for taking a minute in the midst of your pain to remind us about being there for friends and taking care of ourselves. We don’t think about it enough, as you said. Safe travels.
Condolences. Haven’t lost any close friends yet…and I’m dreading the day it happens. ( because it WILL happen. Ugh.)
I’m sorry, this really makes me think that saying life is short, is so true. I lost friends and relatives and I realize the older I get there will be more. Your right about staying in touch with people. Thinking of you,take care Julie
Deepest sympathy for the loss of your dear friend. Any loss is difficult, but sudden loss adds an extra weight on the heart. Thank you for the reminder to treasure and stay in touch with family and friends. It can’t be said too often. Thinking of you.
Soooo sorry for your loss, Catherine! This is just so hard and it’s awful and it sucks. I will be thinking of you while you are away.
So sorry for your loss. Many of us are now reaching the age where we be losing our loved ones, remember when we were young and we thought we would like forever. Then we lost parents, uncles and aunties and now we are the oldest generation in our families Time goes so fast and we must try to do all the things we want before it is too late. Thinking of you my dear during this sad time, love Anne.
I am so sorry for your loss, I had a friend pass on Sunday from a very aggressive form of brain cancer….diagnosed after the holidays, our sons have been good friends since preschool they are now in their 30s. It was a reminder life is so short and unpredictable….. peace and love.
My condolences Catherine, I agree that no time is the right time and we mustn’t take our loved ones for granted (although we all do because life gets in the way). Your friend sounds like a lovely lady, how wonderful that you shared a friendship with her. May she rest in peace, and may perpetual light shine upon her. Safe travels, you are in my thoughts.
Dear Catherine, please accept my sincere condolences on the loss of your good friend. You are in my thoughts and prayers as you make this difficult journey to pay your respects, and I pray that this day she is in Heaven.
Condolences on the loss of your dear friend. I can sympathize, I lost a very dear friend last year. It was also very sudden and unexpected. He left a huge, empty space in the hearts of those who loved him. Please celebrate your friend’s life and not mourn her passing. Hugs to you dear friend.
Mes condoléances pour la perte d’un être cher.
Keep her in your heart and remember the good times you two shared. We’ve arrived at an age where we should remind ourselves to smell the roses more often and spend more time with people we really care about.
And remember; don’t drive faster than your angel can fly. Safe travels.
Hugs
Oh, Catherine, I’m so very sorry – deepest, deepest sympathies. And you’re so right to remind us to pick up that phone and speak and meet with our friends. I’ll do just that. Keep well and safe journey. Love to you and yours xxxxxxx
Deepest sympathy for the loss of your friend, Margaret.
I lost a very good friend 3 years ago and although I knew she was going to die I was absolutely devasted, and surprised at the depth of my emotions. We had been friends for 40 years and I still think of her often. I love your blog and the insight it gives me into your life in America, and trips to Paris. I live in a little village in Scotland and delight in the connections we can make across the world via blogging.
Take good care of yourself.
Pat
Very sorry to hear about Margaret.
So sorry to hear of your friend’s passing. That is the kind of thing you just can never ever be prepared to hear.
Safe travels, and take care of yourself.
Cathe, I’m so sorry for your loss. Death just sucks. Sending hugs to you my friend xoxo
oh no, that is tough stuff indeed. My condolences to you and your family for this loss. I’m going to take your advice and call one of my friends I’ve not talked to for awhile.
It bothers me to see good people have bad stuff happen to them, when some of the bad people out there continue along…..sometimes things are not right in the universe.
Take care, will be thinking of you in the coming days.
So sorry to hear that, hon. It’s always such a shock when it comes out of the blue like that. {{{Catherine}}}
So sorry for your loss! Sending love and prayers your way 🙂
I am so sorry for your loss. My heart is aching for you. Your words are so true and hitting home. We need to take time to reach out to those we love and who have touched our hearts. Hugs for you.
My condolences on the loss of your friend.
My condolences to you on my the loss of your friend. It’s so hard to say goodbye.
Big hugs, Catherine, from across the pond. Thinking of you at this unhappy time. Friends are so important. Take care. June xx
You hang in there, too! Your reminder is well taken, and I’m going to remember it every day.
My sincere condolences, Catherine. To you and to Margaret’s family. May she rest peacefully.
Best wishes,
Rosemary
Big hugs for you at this very sad time! Take care.
So sorry for your loss Catherine. Everything you wrote is true for all of us, we need to make sure we appreciate those we love while we are still able to.
DRESS SO SHE WILL KNOW YOU ARE THERE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!XOXO
I’m sorry for your loss.
I´m so sorry for your loss, and if there is any lesson to be learned from loved ones passing much too soon, it is to never put anything really important on hold. There won’t always be a tomorrow, especially if it is to say “I love you” – just do it
.
Sending you a big hug, Catherine. It is very sad and hard to lose the people we love. You bring us into your life and we are honored to share the good times and the bad because that is what true friends do for each other. Thank you for being n blogging land and sharing your life with me and all your followers.
I’m so sorry you lost a good friend, and that you didn’t get to spend the time you wanted with her. Thank you for the reminder, there are always friends we keep saying let’s get together, and mean it, but just can’t get it on the calendar. Hugs to you. Travel safe.
So sorry to hear of your loss. It brings you up with jolt when you lose a friend of a similar age – we are not immortal, and sadly we are at an age where this is starting to happen. Have a safe journey.
Susan D
I’m so sorry Catherine. Thank you for the reminder to really make the effort with friends and family. Take care xxx
What sad news, I am so very sorry, Catherine. We never know what’s round the corner for us, and you are so right to remind us to keep in touch with friends. I hope you are ok. Sending big hugs.
Thank you to everyone for your encouraging thoughts and words. You have no idea how important and comforting these responses were for me. With all my heart. Thanks so much XOXOXOXOXOXO!!!
I will remember you in my prayers.