Goodbye to a Dear Friend

On Saturday I was at a funeral for a very dear friend. Laurie Cheney. A beautiful woman inside and out. She had a smile that would light up a room. A kind word for everyone, and a hug.

We, her friends, called her Elmo. Why? Because she was cute and, spunky, fun and lively, just like Elmo. Also, she loved the colour red. Did I mention she wore an Elmo back-pack as her purse? Yeah, she was like that, a woman with a great big heart, and beautiful sense of humour.

About 5 years ago I got to meet Elmo at a crop in Brantford. She was teaching figure skating but stopped in the auditorium to check out the projects and to talk to the host. Of course the Diva's were Diva'd up. Tiara's, boa's, bells... Elmo came directly to our table. We chatted, we fell in love! It was an instant connection. This woman was one of us.

The next time we got to see Elmo we were at Scrap Diva. A weekend retreat. Elmo was a Red Diva, with red boa, and tiara, and her Elmo looking spiffy! Our table was right next to hers and Andrea's and Grace. We had a fantastic time. Combined our tables and worked together, laughing, loving! Creating together. Encouraging each other. Helping when we got 'blocked'.

When Laurie was diagnosed with Liver Cancer we all held our breath. We knew the recovery was low. But we also knew Laurie. She was a fighter. She continued to fight for for about a year and a half. Her spirit and her determination to live was strong.

On Monday September 27, she said goodnight for the last time.

The past week has been rainy, cold, and just miserable. Rather like myself, and my general mood. When we laid Laurie to rest on Saturday, it poured. Like Laurie was giving us permission to cry, while it was raining. BUT once the sun comes out, dry those tears and be happy.

Laurie, I will miss you. Your hugs, your kindness, your generosity, your love. You are loved.

After Glow
I'd like the memory of me
to be a happy one.
I'd like to leave an after glow
of smiles when life is done.
I'd like to leave an echo,
whispering softly down the ways,
of happy times and laughing times,
and bright and sunny days.
I'd like the tears of those who grieve,
to dry before the sun,
of happy memories that I leave
with each and everyone.

M