Reflecting

My favorite quote about the death of a loved one: “It is a curious thing, the death of a loved one. We all know that our time in this world is limited, and that eventually all of us will end up underneath some sheet, never to wake up. And yet it is always a surprise when it happens to someone we know. It is like walking up the stairs to your bedroom in the dark, and thinking there is one more stair than there is. Your foot falls down, through the air, and there is a sickly moment of dark surprise as you try and readjust the way you thought of things.” ― Lemony Snicket, Horseradish

Some people are in your life for a relatively brief time, and you can only reflect on it and know that you both gave comfort and support and friendship and came into each others lives at the right moment. Two years ago my dear friend passed away. We had only been close friends for about 2 years previous, and we both wondered why we hadn't spent more time together. Laughingly, but truthfully, it was because I was her dog-sitter, so I knew her dogs quite well... but her? Not so much. Our loss.

My gain? Custody of her little dog. He's 17 now, and has surprised all of us with his tenacity. He's determined to outlive all of us.

She would have enjoyed watching me learn to paint again, and would have rolled her eyes at some of my cartoony illustrations. Actually, if you believe in such things, she is probably rolling her eyes right now.

I hope everyone has a someone like her in their lifetime. Travel light, my friend, as always.