AustinGranny.com - Absence of a Friend

Laundry Day Thoughts - 02.12.2001

"Each friend represents a world in us, a world possibly not born until they arrive, and it is only by this meeting that a new world is born." - Anais Nin

During the past year or so, almost all of us have dispersed around the state, according to choices made in each woman's life. Known for it's old small town atmosphere, Salado, Texas, seemed a fitting place for close friends to celebrate birthdays together. Each has added a year since the last reunion. We were here celebrating our lives and catching up with what was happening, as we had for so many years now.

Birthdays, once taken for granted, would never again be the same. She was the youngest. She was the strongest. She was the most vital and most beautiful. She had been taken from us forever. It was inconceivable. It was certainly not fair. Most of all, it was so very frightening.

Her death has changed us, but even more than that, we all are changed because of her life. She taught us the meaning of grace and courage. Her spirit gave us strength. Her optimism made us believe. Her living in the moment underlined the transitory nature of all our lives. We will never again be the same. Let us not ever forget one who meant so much to so many. I would like to believe that she has "gone on ahead."

Leslie, teach us how to treasure each brief moment with family and friends... to truly celebrate life... to love each other.

I love and miss you all,
Carol