This has been a very tough month. It started when a neighbor from across the street died right after a successful heart surgery. There followed in quick succession, the death of a friend of more than 50 years from Parkinson’s and another friend of more than 40 years from Alzheimer’s.
The latter two deaths were expected. I had watched my friend, Francie, battle Parkinson’s for 15 years. The last two years were especially painful as she descended into a world of her own and eventually failed to respond to anyone, even her husband. She was bedridden and had to be coaxed to eat. The last time I saw her, she opened her eyes for the first time in days and smiled when my husband said what he said to her every time we met up, “Hello, Beautiful.” We rented an apartment in California from Francie and her husband in the 70s – it was a duplex, and they lived upstairs with their dogs – and we had so many adventures together. Every time we ventured out to see something in the state, we invariably ran into some problems that turned into big laughs.
My friend Billie started showing mental issues about two years ago and very rapidly declined. Within a year, she did not recognize anyone and had to live in a care facility. The last time I saw her, she did not know me, but she and I were the greatest of chocoholics, and I’d brought her a chocolate doughnut. When I asked her if she would like it, she replied, “Yes, I would like that,” even though she never spoke. Billie and I met when we sent our sons to daycare after they were born. We both worked at UNC, and I worked in her lab to learn various techniques for my own research from time to time. She was a brilliant scientist. She, her husband, my husband, and I and our children went to the beach together for a week every year for 16 years. Lots of history there.
This is a downer to write about, but I am not feeling myself lately, and getting my feelings out there helps. I write this to mourn their passing and celebrate their lives. – two warm and wonderful women who added so much to my life.
This is always tough. As we get older, more and more of our friends and family leave us. We too have had a few deaths; neighbours and friends. I know it’s life but it’s never easy. Sending hugs.
Thanks so much for your kind and supportive words, Darlene.
Sorry to hear about all of your friends Noelle, but you sound like you have some wonderful memories of them.
I really do, Rosie, and I’m trying to focus on those. I’m of an age when losing friends seems to be becoming more usual and unusual. Thanks for your good wishes.
What a rough time for you.
I’m sorry to hear about these deaths of people you loved.
Take care. I send a gentle hug.
Thank you for your kindness, Melissa. The wishes and hugs definitely help!
So sorry to hear about your losses, dear Noelle. ♥
Thanks, Olga. I know that at my age, deaths are expected, but this many in such a short time is tough to process, even though I knew that for Francie and Billie the end was near.
Thinking of you as you grieve. Sharing your feelings will be helpful. God bless you.
Thanks so much for your kindness, Melissa.
I’m glad you have a place where you feel you can express those emotions, Noelle. I’m so sorry for the loss of your two friends. I just hope the memories of the good times at some time replace the pain you feel now.
I found myself trying to buck up both their families by talking about the fun and funny times. This is all much in such a short time. Thanks for your sympathy, John.
I’m so sorry for the loss of your dear friends, Noelle. It’s always tough when we lose someone close, but especially when it’s someone we’ve been friends with for so long. I think you are wise to put your feelings into words. It’s better than keeping them all bottled up and is part of the grieving process.
Wise words, Pete. I am not a depressed person, so feeling so down has been unusual for me. I think because this all happened in such a short time, I had difficulty processing.
A lovely posting Noelle in memory of such good friends.
Thanks, Bruce. If I talked about them and all our good times together, it would go on for pages!
I’m so sorry for your losses. These things are hard, and it doesn’t matter how long they’ve been expected. Thank you for sharing a little about these wonderful women.
Thank you so much for your kind words, Rebecca. I just needed a little venting!
I’m so sorry, Noelle. Death hurts. That’s just a fact. I’m sorry you are dealing with so many losses all at once. Sending you virtual hugs and prayers for peace.
Thanks, Jan. It came suddenly but I am feeling a bit better. I spent time with my grandson yesterday and that helped a lot!
I am so sorry Noelle that you have lost such old and dear friends. It is a time of life when those around us begin to fade away and whilst we might have amazing memories it is still painful… sending you love and hugs ♥
I am at that age, Sally, when my friends are passing out of my life. It’s the nature of things, but still painful. Thanks for your kind words of support!
Hopefully this has helped, sharing their wonderful friendship, and bravery, through these debilitating conditions.
I have been wondering if you yourself were ill, but I reckon it was just the distraction of your friends.
Sending love and hugs. Pippin is willing to part with a carrot for you, but I’d say no, if I were you.
How very kind of Pippin! But we have loads of carrots. Thanks for your concern. I am feeling better mentally, last month was rough. Now I have a friend going through the same thing, losing people left and right. Thanks for the love and hugs. That always helps.