I will miss seeing my friend

I woke up to a skiff of snow today. I changed clothes 3 times. What purple shirt, what color pants, which jacket- floral or a black sweater cover. In time, those decisions will no longer be “an issue” for me. I realized I needed to be grateful again that I can see which purple shirt and that I see the snow gracing inself on the soil of my backyard.

As I got into my car and drove down the main road to my favorite starbucks, I saw 2 Canadian geese waddling down a walking path. They were side by side and I thought of the love of my life. I also thought of my friend and her husband. More on that in a moment.

I am grateful I currently have the sight to drive. Driving has given me so much independence and opportunity to see so many beautiful places on this planet. 44 of 50 states, Mexico, Canada and St. Maarten. Someday I might tell you stories of international driving. Today, I drove myself to a place I really didn’t want to go. I drove to a friend’s funeral. Cancer stole her away from us. She was only 59 years old.

My friend was a caring, generous and a funny person. Her laugh was contagious. She loved children of any age. She loved crafting, quilting, music of all genres and gardening- just to name a few of her favorite things. She loved her family, her husband, so many others, my daughters and for me, most importantly, she loved me. My friend knew I had MacD. She told me a few months ago- “When I’m gone, I’ll watch over you”

I watched so many of my friends, acquaintances and her family, file in to the funeral service. I looked at all the beautiful flowers. I watched the video of her life from an infant to just days before her death. I saw all the shades of purple we wore in her honor. I saw my friends shed tears. I watched her husband couragously speak about her. I saw a friend and her sister get up and speak to us all about the funny tales of their experiences with my friend. I saw sorrow but, I saw more love.

I am grateful I was able to see all of this today, despite my sadness and tears. I will miss seeing my friend, but I will always have her in my heart and I know she is watching over me.

What did you see today?

Janice Ekholt