When I took the dog for our evening stroll last night there was this beautiful sky. Rain clouds with the most glorious rays of sunshine poking through. It was so incredible that I had to pause. And I thought, “Oh dear. Could this beautiful sky be for Cosmic?” (a blogging friend who is near the end)
Less than two hours ago, I missed a phone call from my college buddy Dan. Dan’s wife, Allison, and their two daughters and I have become friends as thick as my friendship with Dan. They live outside of DesMoines, but I never let that get in the way of my liking them.
Those girls of theirs. How I want them to be my daughters in law (well, once my older son gets fixed)
I returned Dan’s phone call.
Allison died this morning.
A decade and a half of one battle with cancer followed by another battle with cancer. And another fucking battle with fucking cancer.
I have not been able to figure out how Allison could keep such a positive outlook on each and every damn battle. In a phone conversation last year, she let me know that sometimes she gets a little mad about it all.
People. The grace of Allison.
I told Dan this morning that I could just never get over how amazing Allison was with her graceful battle. “Hell” I said, “Were it me, I’d be the biggest damn stomping baby in all the land”.
“Yes you would!” he agreed.
“You didn’t deserve her!” I said.
“I can’t argue with you there” he replied. And we laughed for a second because we know there wasn’t anyone better for Allison than my friend Dan.
I am not friends this long with people who don’t deserve wonderful people in their lives, like Allison. The amazing people she created out of those girls of hers. She didn’t do that alone.
Dan. I am always here for you. And those wonderful girls.
Even if it means a run for chicken wings at Hooters.
I am truly blessed to have known Allison.
I am so sorry. This is just not the right time (what *is* the right time?) to lose another friend. She sounds like a lovely person. Would you give my condolences to her family?
I am so glad that you had a friend like Allison, but more, that she had a friend like you. I can see that even with the challenges she had to go through, that she was blessed with love and a happy, beautiful family. I hope the transition to the next life was an easy one, and you all have my prayers to help you through this difficult time.
I don’t know about you, but I’m just about ready for this to stop…BEFORE it gets to our Cosmic. Hugs darlin’!
I am sorry to read of your loss. It is a terrible thing to overcome and all you can do is be grateful for the years you had such a friend. Take care.
Kathy – hugs and sympathy to you. I remember you writing about Dan and Allison and family – this just ain’t right. Last week was one of the worst in many ways, and now this one isn’t starting out any better.
Oh Kathy – My heart is with you, and I am thinking of you. Losing friends just plain sucks — and it hurts.
I am so so sorry. Please give my thoughts to her family. And a big hug that you will protest loudly is from me to you. Just let me give it. I know you hate it. Pretend it’s to make me feel better. Actually, you won’t be pretending.
How sad. My condolences to everyone who is hurting from this terrible loss.
What a terrible loss. I am so sorry!
You can always tell how much you’ve loved someone by the amazing thoughtful tributes you offer. It makes me feel like I’ve known them too.
XO
Kathy, I’m so very sorry. What a beautiful tribute to your firend and to your friendship with her.
My condolences to all who knew and loved Allison.