18 Comments
User's avatar
Cliona Woods's avatar

Pat this is beautiful and very moving. I love the quote you chose by Mary Oliver.

Expand full comment
Patricia Cusack's avatar

Thank you so much, Cliona

Expand full comment
Elaine R. Frieman's avatar

What a moving and beautiful tribute to a wonderful-sounding friend. I lost my father (only 70) and a dear family friend (83 and incredibly fit previously) this year so this piece resonates all too well. 🫶🏻 Sorry for your loss. Sending love and best wishes. 💫

Expand full comment
Patricia Cusack's avatar

Thank you, Elaine. To lose one person you love is hard enough. To lose two people in one year is doubly hard. Sending love and hugs.

Expand full comment
Nancy A's avatar

I'm so sorry for your loss. The grief ahead of time is anticipatory grief. Although no actual illness was present (besides several looming health issues associated with obesity and diabetes), I knew my husband would never grow old with me. I had anticipatory grief for his final two years. Regardless of the amount of time to prepare, it still always hurts to lose someone we love. Sending you hugs. 💞

Expand full comment
Patricia Cusack's avatar

Thank you, Nancy. Anticipatory grief is exactly what it was. Hugs gratefully received.

Expand full comment
Ms. Writer's avatar

The depth of our grief is in direct proportion to the depth of love for ‘our people.’

So lucky to have them, but so devastating to let them go. My sincere sympathies.

Expand full comment
Patricia Cusack's avatar

Thank you. I appreciate that.

Expand full comment
Jo Linney's avatar

Loss is so hard to bear. She sounded a wonderful human being who leaves the world a better place ❤️❤️

Expand full comment
Patricia Cusack's avatar

I think so. Thank you, Jo.

Expand full comment
Cherie Lee's avatar

I am so sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing her with us.

Expand full comment
Patricia Cusack's avatar

Thank you, Cherie, and thank you for reading my post.

Expand full comment
Michelle Lindblom's avatar

Whenever I have been given this kind of news about someone close to me, the grieving begins deep within me. It’s how I work through the process so when they are gone, however long that takes, I don’t completely fall apart.

What a beautiful friendship you shared.

Expand full comment
Patricia Cusack's avatar

I think that's what happened to me. I feel as though I've been grieving for the whole year, although she was still with us. When I learned of her death it still hit hard but there was eventually a 'lightness', I felt as though the work had been done. It was a beautiful friendship and I have others, but she was unique and it's the first time I've lost a close friend, so it was a learning process. Thank you for insightful comments, Michelle.

Expand full comment
Good Humor by CK Steefel's avatar

I’m so sorry. What a shocking diagnosis and passing. Sending healing love.

Expand full comment
Patricia Cusack's avatar

Thank you, Carissa. I'm receiving your healing love with gratitude.

Expand full comment
Pamela Cummins's avatar

S is forever in your heart and soul... Sending hugs...

Expand full comment
Patricia Cusack's avatar

She is, Pamela. Thank you for your much appreciated hugs.

Expand full comment