On Loss

This morning I found out that a friend of mine had passed away. She fought long and hard, her spirit unbroken and her faith unshaken. She lost her battle, and I found myself bereft and grieving for a wonderful woman I had never met.

She was the kindest person I’ve never met. Her laughter and humor could make anyone forget their troubles. She healed us when our pettiness overwhelmed us. She could find happiness each and every day, even when Life was throwing curveballs.

She taught me to find laughter everyday, even when I felt like loneliness was about to crush me. She helped me be a better person, and for that I am very grateful. And yes, I recall your wishes. I’m wearing my PJs and slippers, and smiling through my tears, because I know you are looking at them and laughing at the stuffed llama sitting right next to me.

We will miss you terribly, PattyAnn. But I take comfort in the fact that God is holding you in His loving arms right now, and that the love you gave us will only keep growing.

We love you, PattyAnn, and that will be forever.

Letter to a Stranger

People are interesting to me. I like to speculate on their stories based on what they are wearing, how they carry themselves, even as to the choices they make while grocery shopping. It comes from a background in anthropology, and reading Miss Marple novels. Consequently, it is difficult to pick just one stranger as the subject of my letter, since I have already made up their entire life in my head. So, I went in a different direction, again 😉

To a stranger,

I saw you as I walked through the aisles in a vain quest to find Amontillado. There you sat, surrounded by your siblings, the color of your outfit making you stand out among them like a bright spring leaf sprouting from the soil. My curiosity was piqued, wondering what you were like. Smooth, or bitter? Silky, or sharp? Do you play well with others, or tend to chill out on your own? Are you a party animal, or the type to sit quietly by the fire? Do you like to climb on the rocks? Are you a straight shooter? I hope to enjoy your company one day, and know that if ever we meet, you will make my life rosy and sweet, even if it’s just for the duration of your visit.

Cheers!!