We met back in 1993 or 94, just when our children were beginning to date. We didn't know each other well back then, but in the past few years we became good friends and confidants. We talked mostly about our grandchildren, but more in the past few years about life, death, and the reason why we are here.
We were just saying hello when goodbye came too soon.
Our commonality were the children. Her capacity for the great love she expressed could never be denied by family or friends. She would be the first one there to help, fix, comfort and was never afraid to speak her mind or the truth. I think I loved that the most about her. She was a no nonsense kind of woman, strong in physical presence and even stronger in her beliefs and ideals. Family meant everything.
My heart is heavy today for saying goodbye came too soon. Our last meeting a few weeks ago led me to believe that this was our final hello embrace and our final goodbye embrace. It is a knowing between two friends that we could be who we were and could share our deepest thoughts. Her thoughts that last meeting came in a flurry..."Make sure my babies will be okay, help them remember me" she said. We wept silently together and at one point she told me to say what I need to say, do what I want to do, don't wait for everything to be perfect to enjoy life and what it brings.
Our last meeting was bittersweet. We held hands for a long time, just sharing, laughing and just sitting in peaceful silence.
Hello my friend and a final goodbye from this life. I will see you again. I will remember everything we shared and the words, thoughts and plans we made together as grand parents to make sure they never forget. I will keep my promise to you.
Rest in the arms of God my friend til we meet again.
