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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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 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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Apr 6·edited Apr 6Liked by Sue Ferrera

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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Apr 5Liked by Sue Ferrera

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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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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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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Apr 5Liked by Sue Ferrera

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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Apr 5Liked by Sue Ferrera

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

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Apr 5Liked by Sue Ferrera

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

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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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