21 Comments

Sue, even though the loss of friendship is such a heartache and felt in your essay, I look forward to Part 2 of your story. You also share the love and the kinship women feel. The ability to bond and keep the thread strong even across time and distance. I'm reminded of such friends as I write.

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Thank you, Paulette, for your comments! 💚

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Such a sadness when a friend dies at such a young age. She wanted to die quietly, and I think she chose a lovely path, even if you didn't get to say goodbye. In death as in life, we honor and respect our friend's choices.

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I couldn't agree more, Ilona. I learned a lot from this experience. 💚

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I have friendships like this, and I worry about them. What if I get the news you did? I think you've given me a better understanding. Thanks for writing about what's important. I'm sorry for your loss.

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Thank you, Liz, for reading and your comments. 💚

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my jaw drops, your prose captivates, entrances, draws one into your journey effortlessly... the reference to Elton and story of your friendships lost, draws tears, I love you my friend, so grateful for your writing to your wits end, you friendship and your vantage on our tiny lovely world. Blessings, .. your forever friend Kurt

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Wow Kurt, a response like this means more than I can say. Far greater than money, a comment like this fuels my passion to keep writing. Thank you, my forever friend.

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What a beautiful tribute to you dear friend. Loss is so hard but your love for her shines through in your words. Sending hugs 🤗

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Thank you, Lynn. Embracing those hugs!!! 💚

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Sue, this is such a special post. I'm desperately sorry for your loss, and would like to say a big thank you for reminding me of the things, people, places and memories which I value.

I was surprised last week to receive an e-mail from a friend from whom I'd long lost touch. I have always struggled - I mean REALLY struggled - to maintain relationships, and R's e-mail bowled me over. It was very brief, and I responded cautiously but with rather more words than she had sent. Then.... silence, which made me feel uncomfortable.

But yesterday brought me the pleasure of a long, long catch-up of a follow-up e-mail from R, which had obviously taken her so much time and thought to write. It was such a gift.

I'm so behind on my Substack reading, and reading this e-mail from you today feels 100% meant to be. Thank you so very much, friend. xxx

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Awww, Rebecca, what a lovely response. I'm happy for you to have reconnected with an old friend. Such a blessing. Enjoy, my friend! 💚

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Thank you for sharing this personal heartache. I also had an old friend that didn’t share that she was dying. I went to her memorial and felt her presence which was comforting.

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You know, then, the mix of emotion. From what I understand, my friend's passing came much quicker than expected. Nonetheless, the circumstances left me feeling sorry as well as sad. Thanks for reading and commenting. I appreciate your support!! 💚

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I'm so sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing your beautiful words. You always have such a way of crafting them in a way that makes it feel warm to read-- no matter the topic. Xoxo.

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Thanks, Sue. That means so much to me. I think I have something in my eye. 😢

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Me too. I'm sure it's just allergies. 🥲

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Thanks for sharing this beautiful piece about your friendship and love for Carrie. She sounds like an amazing person.

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She was, as is Paul, and as are YOU! I am blessed to know all of you. 💞

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A beautiful and sincere tribute on friendship. I enjoyed it, because the story celebrated something good in this world, which often fails to do that. You mentioned that Carrie loved the arts, and I am reminded that the arts are about the emotions and relationships, and the sharing of emotions. It seems that you had a good friendship, an artistic friendship, I would add. That you were blessed by it.

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I am happy that you enjoyed this story, and found the goodness I was hoping to share. I was definitely blessed by my friendship with Carrie, and the blessings continue to unfold. Thank you for your comments, Perry! 💚

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