I lost my friend
did I tell you?
She died.
An ache gnaws my heart, persistent, sadly reminds.
She walked early, loving
morning light
early walkers
fresh crisp air.
Late afternoon for me
light warm golden
from the setting sun
late walkers with dogs.
So many topics we explored – politics, ethics, food, multicultural relations
religions international and personal
the priceless value of family, friends, and strangers
and finally
what our remaining future holds.
We spoke our minds
bared our fears
our joys
our questions.
In the end, no world problems solved
no personal stances altered, just
two souls lovingly understanding
one another.
For both, the end hovers in sight
the final battle cannot be won
in our hands only the skirmishes before the end
our fight to make our last days good.
Our challenges?
Her failing heart
my dementia
trivial things like that.
I point to the extra years she has already squeezed from this heart
why not more?
She claims dementia must be fast to beat my declining pool of years
why not this?
Then we look into one another’s eyes
laugh
clasp hands
sit close together
and remember.
I lost a friend
did I tell you?
She died.
Dedicated to the memory of Elizabeth MacLeod, an outstanding person, loved by all.
A lovely tribute to Elizabeth and to connecting with others.
Thank you Lorna – I am glad you knew her too.
A lovely tribute, Mom.
Mary – She was a delight for me, as well as a challenge! We shared many things.
I’m so sorry. To be close to another human being is the most rewarding thing you can do, and the biggest heartache at the end. However many years you had together is never enough. I am crying for you and for myself…I have a sister…
Barbara – Yes this is an experience that we all share – losing someone we love. At least we can try to remember how fortunate we are when we have those we are close to – even if we eventually lose them.
You have such a wonderful gift with words (and many other things). How wonderful to have that “heart to heart” connection with another person. Your words have made me pause to appreciate those dear to me…I include you in that group!
Love,
Leone
Thank you, Leone – not every one is privileged to still have connections with someone she held as a baby! You have so many in your clan to have those connections you speak of. We are blessed.
I’m reading between the lines and guessing that your friend was someone you connected with in the latter part of your life? How wonderful that you made that connection, and reached out to become close. None of us know how long we have, and yet we often hesitate to form new friendships, or to discuss the issues that bring us closer. Always sad to lose a friend, but we’re always better for having made the friendship.
Alison – Your intuition informed you well. I met this friend when I moved to Vancouver in January of 2012. It was as if we had been friends for years, a gift I will treasure and a loss that hurts.
I believe you and Elizabeth were soul mates and each of us only has 2 or 3 such relationships in our lifetime. The length of the relationship has nothing to do with the quality. This is a beautiful tribute to Elizabeth. May your heart be slowly eased in the weeks to come.
Love
Eleanor
Good to have your comments, Eleanor. I admit it is difficult. Having her around made my adjustment to the residence much easier and enjoyable. We each had our own lives and activities, but enjoyed the time we had together a great deal. Lucky to have known her.
If we are lucky we have a few good friends like Elizabeth. Sometimes they are our spouses and come to us early in life. Sometimes they come to us later – either as new friends or second spouses, but regardless of the when they appear in our lives, they are the flints of gold in the river sands of life. My heart is with you.
I can add little to what you have said, Dorothy. Thank you for your understanding.