The White Board

Sad, sad days

In the midst of earthquakes and tsunamis in Japan, my world here, in my own little nook has been thoroughly rocked. On Sunday, I lost a mentor, a friend, a second mom and the woman I have looked up to for over 40 years. Just before Christmas, she was moved into a Hospice House. At Christmas, she sent me a pair of gold earrings with a diamond chip in them. (Never ostentatious, this woman epitomized classic elegance, style and class.) I've been wearing them ever since. I wrote something back by email that I will share, in part, here. Still trying to write that poem, but I can't. Yet.....

The poet in me wanted to write you a poem, but the thoughts
flowed too fast, and not poetically. I tried, but then decided to just write.

We've known each other for forty years
and in that time you've been a treasured friend, more, a second mom.
I don't pass a flower garden or see roses blooming without thinking of you. The same for whenever
I smell Giorgio perfume or taste maple syrup! Or buy Girl Scout cookies!
Or polish brass. Then again, sometimes I polish the silver just because, I feel
closer to you!

I like to think I've passed on to my kids and grands a bit of the work ethic you instilled,
I know I've succeeded with Cara at least! You've always listened to me and
given me grand advice. Although, some times, I know I haven't quite lived lived up
to your expectations of me, I have always tried because, just as with my mom, I never,
ever wanted to disappoint you.

I love you so deeply, but I know you already know this.

I will treasure the earrings forever. Cara will too when they go to her some day
in the future. Thank you for them and for being my friend.
I want, so badly, to give you a hug right now. Please know I am reaching
out in my heart and giving you the grandest hug ever......

She passed quietly, surrounded by love and family....I am missing her, but I can 'hear' her saying 'get on with stuff....' One very special lady who has and will continue to enrich my life. She is one of those raindrops, tinted golden with light and joy. Raindrops, teardrops....I am awash in both.