The Loss of a Friend…

Posted on by aprescconwhyte

Earlier this week I found out a friend had passed away. Although she had been sick for some time, it still came as a shock…are we ever prepared for bad news?

My friend’s name was Lynn.  I first met her when she was in her early 20’s at a party we had at our home.    She was the date of a friend of a friend of my husbands.  I have a clear recollection of that occasion.  She was cute, really cute, and fun…sparkly eyes and a killer smile.  The couple married and in the 1980s and 90’s we were part of the same social circle.  There were many parties (house or fancy dress up) and endless dinner parties. These were always good times and a reflection of the extravagance of those decades.

Eventually, that group of friends fizzled out.  As our children got older, family time took priority.   Several couples moved away, and a few others divorced, but it was always a treat to meet up with friends from the past. We met Lynn and her husband for dinner several years ago, and a few months later, we all had dinner in the greenhouse on one of those perfect evenings in the fall.

Unfortunately, soon after Lynn was diagnosed with cancer.  The last time I saw Lynn was when I was dropping off a care package for her and her husband.  As I was about to leave,  Lynn roared up her driveway and motioned me to get into her car.  She was over the moon with happiness. At her last doctor’s appointment, she was given the best news…her tumour was gone.  If you could bottle that moment, it would be priceless!  That excitement was short-lived…

Lynn was a wife, a mother, a teacher and a friend of many.  She fought cancer like a warrior…never giving up, staying positive, determined and courageous.  She won the admiration of all.

During these dark times…the pandemic, the isolation from loved ones, a society so divided filled with hate and anger; it’s paramount that we not lose sight of what’s really important.  Losing a friend is a reminder that taking care of ourselves, our loved ones and somehow finding the beauty in simple pleasures is the only way to unburden ourselves of the weight we’ve collectively been carrying.  Time has a way of just slipping away…

Take care, everyone,

xox Judy

 

18 thoughts on “The Loss of a Friend…”

  1. So sorry for your loss of a good friend Judy. Another reminder for me to tell you once again how much I treasure my friendship with you. Life, and time to live it, seems fragile. May you and all the people you love, stay healthy and connected ❤️💕❤️

  2. Thank you Darlene, I treasure all my friends especially those who go back many years…so happy to have you in my life and all the memories we’ve shared over these past decades❤️❤️

  3. Dear Judy
    Sending u a hug❤️ Thank u for sharing a little about your dear friend! You really know how to touch our hearts with your words thank u
    Tina

    1. Thank you Tina, not being able to come and go as we please has made it very clear what is important in life. Take care of yourself…thinking of you and hoping you are finding a way to run your business and share with others your talent for creating beauty❤️❤️

  4. Judy, I am truly sorry for the loss of your friend. Life is precious and friends are part of life. Never to be taken for granted.💙

    1. Hi Carol, thank you. If we haven’t learned anything else from this pandemic, hopefully we’ve realized that life is short and that we can’t put off doing the things that are important to us and to share our lives with the people most important to us. Take care❤️❤️

  5. So sorry to hear of the loss of your dear friend …..l too lost a very special friend 15 years ago , l still miss her and she’s never far from my thoughts …. your tribute to your friend Lynn was beautiful and heartwarming 💖💕💖

    1. Hi Bonnie, it’s so good to hear from you! I’m sorry that you lost a dear friend so long ago…she obviously was young. It’s comforting that we are able to keep these special people in our thoughts even though they are no longer here. Another reminder of how important making memories really is. I hope you and your family are staying happy and well❤️❤️

  6. What a dear friend you must have been to Lynn to write this lovely memorial. I lost my best friend over 20 years ago. We had been friends since kindergarten. I think of her often, as we shared such precious moment growing up together. I hope soon you will smile when you think of all the wonderful memories you have of your friendship with Lynn.

  9. My sincere condolences Judy. Sharing the joys of your friends’ moments is a very special way to keep them in your heart. When little things happen throughout the day that bring back a memory, don’t be afraid to acknowledge out loud ‘Hi Lynn’. It helps and will automatically make you smile.

    1. Hi Joyce, I agree…I often say “hi’ to my mom when I’m out working in the garden…especially when I’m in the roses. She knew a lot more about caring for roses than I do and I like to think she is “helping me along”. Take care❤️❤️

  10. My sympathy for your loss Judy. Thank you for sharing this heart touching story of friendship and remembrance with such compassion and elegance

    1. Hi Lynn, thank you for your kind and thoughtful reply. My friend Lynn was the first one to pass away within my social circle and it has made me realize just how much impact friends have on our lives❤️❤️

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