Hugs, My Friend…

I woke up this morning, trying to remember what day it was, in case I had to get up for work.

I smiled when I realized it was Saturday.

Then I remembered what I had to do today, and my smile disappeared.

I just learned yesterday that my gym buddy, Gladys, died on Wednesday.  She was a wonderful person.  Her loving spirit shone through every piece of her and brightened my soul.  Her presence made such a difference to those she touched.  I’m so glad that she was part of my life, which makes it difficult to think of my days without her.

Her memorial service is today.  I plan to attend, even though I’m a total stranger to her family.

Her family won’t know me, so why do I have such a strong desire to go? 

How comforting are words of condolences when they come from a total stranger?  I don’t know, but I feel that I need to go.

Maybe, it’s to comfort the family; maybe it’s to say goodbye to my friend; maybe it’s to say goodbye to Katherine’s grandmother.  Yes, Katherine’s grandmother died this week, too — and she’s another person that I’ve never met but with whom I feel connected.

I know it all sounds so silly, but I feel like I have a relationship with Gladys’ daughter, through Gladys’ love for her — and it’s hard for me to accept that I will be losing contact with her daughter along with losing Gladys.  It feels like I'm losing two friends at the same time.  That’s just too difficult for me to do… too difficult to accept… too difficult to just let go...  

It’s weird because, even though I have never met these people, I feel a loss.  It is like a couple of candles have gone out, and my world isn’t as bright.   

Maybe if Gladys wasn’t as special as she was, I wouldn’t be feeling this way, but I feel that I have to do something.  I feel that I have to tell her daughter that her mother loved her very much.  Gladys was so proud of her and was so proud to be her mother.  I know her daughter already knows these things, but I have a need to reinforce it, today.  I feel the need.  I feel…

I just wonder… how comforting are words of condolences when they come from a total stranger?

I don’t know, but I do know that Gladys would be pleased that I tried… at least I tried.


**  Hugs, My Friend… You will be missed and not forgotten...  **


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