My heart is breaking

[SJJ]

There are 12 of us girls who went through grade school, junior high and high school together. We graduated in a class of over 700 students but there was something particularly strong and solid about our group. Some of us even went off to college together, but then we scattered all across the country as our lives took us in different directions. We married, had babies and pursured our careers, but continued to keep in touch. For the last 23 years we've come together to both laugh and cry with each other-there are lots of ups and downs to share over that length of time. At first, when our children were young, we only managed a long weekend every other year. In the last decade, we've been able to carve out one week a year to be together and our husbands, admittedly envious of our close bond with each other, supported us in this and tended the homefront while we were away. A little over four years ago, one of our group was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Being a fiesty kind of gal, Nancy geared up for a long fight and we supported her as she endured two surgeries, countless rounds of different chemo treatments, and a slow and gradual decline. This past October, we carried her up and down the stairs of our rented beach house so she could join us on our outings. We held an umbrella over her head to shield her from the sun as we rolled her about in a wheelchair. We did silly skits and skinny dipped in the ocean and laughed and giggled til we peed in our pants. Just like highschool, only better, because life gets sweeter with age and experience. It was a grand time, yet we all feared it would be the last that she'd be with us.

I got the call this evening, we lost our friend today and my heart is breaking. For all of us who loved her, it is a hard loss to accept. True friendships are among life's most precious gifts. How lucky we were that she graced our lives.
Sue

 

[fyrfytr]

Hi Sue,
I am sorry to hear of the loss of your good friend.
You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Take Care

 

[Ross]

I too am sorry to hear the news. It's never easy to go through stuff like that, but it just goes to show that none of us should take anything for granted. Live life to the fullest while possible, because you never know when your going to get called home.

 

[hensylee]

Sue, this is the one you told us of before and we all prayed for her - and you. Now our prayers are for her family, the group of you girls - and you. I am so sorry. You have completed one life cycle and that is God's way. Hard lessons, He teaches sometimes. But you have all the wonderful memories that will carry all of you for all of your lives and every year you will have a special memorial, I am sure of this. That is her legacy to you. God bless.

 

[Karlynn]

Sue,
I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. I pray that your wonderful memories sustain you through this tough time.

 

[Les]

The memories you have of friends are some of the best in life...

 

[Mary]

Sue,
I am so sorry for your loss. As I get older, I reflect on the select number of people we each have in our lives;those we can rely upon through everything that befalls us. You have been blessed to have a larger number than most people. Your circle of friends has allowed each of you to multiply and increase your love for one another. The same circle will strengthen you and let you share the burden of grief each one of you is suffering.

This is my favorite benediction; I hope it brings you a measure of comfort and peace when you think of your loss.

May the road rise to meet you,
May the wind be always at your back.
May the Sun shine warm upon your face,
And the rains fall soft upon your fields.
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of his hand.

An Irish benediction


Mary

 

[catwoman]

Sue:

I am so very sorry to hear of Nancy's passing. Friends are God's gift to each other, and truly you and others were blessed. And will continue to bless each other and sustain each other as you feel Nancy's loss.

 

[ShezaGirlie]

So very sorry...

So very sorry...

Gosh Sue -- I can just see the 12 of you girlfriends frolicking on the beach! What a wonderful legacy you all have made as you celebrate your close friendships of many years by just being together and sharing your lives.

Nancy will always be a part of your sisterhood week at the beach - just in spirit next time. My sincere condolences on the loss of your dear friend.. it's difficult.

Thinking of you..

 

[Jean]

Sue, so sorry to hear of your loss. You and your friends will support each other now and remember Nancy. Wrap yourselves in the warm blanket of your memories and love each other.

 

[bvdr]

Sue,

I'm so sorry for your loss. Great love can produce strong grief. I will hold your name up in my prayers tonight. May God comfort you and sustain you.

 

[tobagotwo]

I have no words for you, but I know that your grief must be terrible.

Somehow, it seems, your friends must all come together with you to celebrate her life, and share your love for her, and your loss.

I wish you peace through the pain; and for every tear, a smile from a memory of your time together.

 

[Sherry]

Sue, I'm so sorry for your loss. I am truly thinking of you and your friends.

 

[SJJ]

Thank you, so much, for your caring and comforting responses. Your kindness is appreciated more than you know.
Sue

 

[sylviayasgur]

hi sue!
i was so sorry to read of your dear friend's passing. you describe your "group" so well, we can actually picture the bunch of you having fun toghether.
as was mentioned before, although it will be so difficult, she will be with you in spirit on your future trips and will always be remembered.
please know that we are thinking of you and your friends and you are in our prayers as well.
wishing you all the best, sylvia

 

[Lorraine]

Hi Sue,

I'm so sorry to hear of your dear friend passing. I will have you and your long time friends in my thoughts and prayers. You will always have the memories that you and your friends shared with her. She will always live in your hearts and be with you in spirit. God Bless!

 

[SHerrin Hutt]

Sue
I am sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

 

[gijanet]

Oh, Sue, I am so very sorry to hear about the loss of your friend Nancy. I am so envious, though, of your group of friends and your yearly outings. You have been so blessed. Too often, we allow life to get in the way, and we lose touch with our friends. (I know that I have been guilty of that.) You have been very fortunate in that respect. Please focus on those memories and cherish them. Again, I am so sorry for your loss. Both you and Nancy's family will be in our prayers. Hugs. Take care and God bless..........

 

[Abbanabba]

I'm so sorry to hear about the loss of your friend, Sue. I'm glad you had the opportunity to build such wonderful memories with her and to experience such a close friendship. I know you will miss her terribly, but I also know she will be remembered with much love.

My condolances to you and your friends,
Anna