Life has a way of reminding us how fragile and precious it is.
Two days ago one of our best friends arrived from the frigid North and we were so glad to welcome her back to our Florida paradise once again. Linda has been a fixture here forever! You see, HER parents bought a condo here…the condo she still owns. In fact her parents bought it before the building was even completed back in the early 1960’s!
Linda arrived in the afternoon, and I asked her if she had gotten groceries yet, and since she hadn’t made that trip I gave her some of our ever present leftovers from the night before. Leftover steak, mushrooms, mashed potatoes and some fresh green beans to tide her over until yesterday when she could make a trip to the store.
She stopped by again yesterday, asking Peepaw if he would take a look at her TV to get her cable up to speed. It was lunchtime, so I threw on an extra plate for her…and I poured her a glass of iced tea.
We had a great visit, catching up on her life up North. And after lunch Peepaw followed her down to her condo to help her…the way he has helped so many who live in our building.
Last night Peepaw and I went out by ourselves for the evening. We had an AWESOME time..meeting new people and enjoying some amazing food at some new neighborhood places. And this morning we jumped out of bed and headed out for breakfast at one of our favorite diners nearby. It’s a BEAUTIFUL day…a perfect “ragtop” day…a fantastic day to be driving our convertible. The sun was warm and the tropical breeze was cool. A perfect day to enjoy our snowbird life.
As we pulled into our parking spot at our condo, our Northern friend’s son and his wife walked over to meet us. I told them we had spent time with his Mom and how much we loved having her back.
And that’s when life took a turn.
Last night…our friend Linda took a wrong turn in her rental car. She drove into the path of a train and was killed instantly.
Her iced tea glass is still sitting in our kitchen sink.
Yes…life has a way of reminding us how fragile and precious each and every day is. So please join me in a moment of gratitude for everyone who matters to each of us.
May God bless Linda and her family…and may she rest in peace. We will NEVER forget her. And that’s why I know her life mattered…every single day.
I am so sorry for your loss. May God give you peace and comfort.
Thank you so much Anne. We are all still numb. I so appreciate your online friendship!
XOXO
Meemaw
Sorry for the tragic loss of your friend
Thanks Jan..You would have LOVED her laugh…Gone much too soon.
XOXO
Meemaw
My goodness, what a sad story. We don’t know when our time will come.
gr. marye m
Thank you Marye…and the fact that we don’t know is the key. I hope the last words out of my mouth will be to say how much I LOVE my family and friends…including you!
XOXO
Meemaw
Awww. So sad. Poor dear. Poor friends and family. I had a very close encounter wit a train as a new teacher. Went in the back way over railroad tracks. Crossing had no signal lights, arm, nor bells. It was a cold morning and I was listening to my car radio. Touched my brakes and was about to accelerate over the tracks when a freight tram whooshed in front of me very very fast. Never heard a warning whistle because there wasn’t one. Small crossing. Still cannot believe how close I came to death that morning. Love to all from me.
In the blink of an eye…everything changes.
Such memories…and such a friendship.
I hold ALL of you close in my heart…and thanks for your comments.
I’m sitting here remembering Linda’s voice as she came within shouting distance to our condo… “HELLO BABY!” she would bellow to let me know she would soon be knocking on our door. And my favorite saying? “LORD-LOVE A DUCK!” I have NO idea what that meant but dear sweet Linda could belt that out about just about anything!
XOXO
Meemaw
I am so sorry for your sadness. It hurts to lose good friends, especially so tragically.
Thank you Nancy The shock was indescribable. To have lunch and laughter one afternoon and to hear this the next morning…an awful tragedy. My prayers for her devastated family…
XOXO
Meemaw
A beautiful tribute to a lovely lady. She was the first person who spoke to my mum when she visited. She was telling Mum all about a Manatee visit.
Thank you Sarah…She will truly be missed! Her laugh was contagious…and I miss it already.
XOXO
Meemaw
So sorry for the tragic loss of your friend. My thoughts an prayers for you and her family.
Thank you so much Emma…she was a treasure to so many!
XOXO
Meemaw
I have no doubt that you were an amazing friend! I am sorry for your loss and thanks for the reminder of how quickly life can change.
Thank you so much Sara. There are mo words to explain such a tragedy…
XOXO
Meemaw
What a sad loss for you and her family. My sympathies to you.
Thank you my Dear Facebook friend. Friends come in all forms and I treasure each and every one of you, no matter how we’ve met!
XOXO
Meemaw
So, so sorry. A painful reminder of life’s preciousness.
Thank you Dear Friend. We are still trying to process our new reality here. I still expect to hear her distinctive voice and her contagious laugh…gone much too soon.
XOXO
Meemaw
I’ve known her, and loved her my whole life! Thank you for sharing this story. My heart is hurting along with many, but this is a good reminder of how we need to all make each and every day count. To love and be kind to all who cross our path.
Thank you for your comment Ruthie. The state of Ohio lost a gem… And I can only imagine that her funeral will need to be held in the football stadium on campus to hold all of her friends and former students. We will be there in spirit, whenever it is. My heart truly aches for her family…and for her other dear friends like you!
XOXO
Meemaw
Your brother and I were together last night for our 50th anniversary and I was talking about the blessings of our long friendship and that we can’t take a day for granted these days. He then, relayed this story to me about your friend. I am so sorry to hear this and how quickly things changed for you. We never know from day to day, no matter how old we are, so I take nothing for granted these days. So glad that you saw her one last time and your memories will go on forever.
Thank Kathy…Linda was a GEM. And her funeral in Ohio will be MASSIVE, as it should be. I still can’t believe I’ll never hear her voice and her laugh again. Love and hugs to ALL of you…my family and friends both near and far…
XOXO
Meemaw
I got to meet Linda by the pool. Such a sweet lady. My sympathy to you and Fred, her family and all who knew her.
Thank you Sue…she truly was one of a kind. It seems so different here without her.
XOXO
Meemaw