Dear Diane,
We lost you about one year ago. I remember where I was when I answered that call and trying to keep my shocked self together at the office because I couldn’t say the words out loud. It didn’t last for long; I cried all the way to town and even more when I met up with our language group. I was angry at myself for taking your surgery so lightly because I felt like I failed you in meeting your greatest need when you had been there for me. Your memorial service has haunted me. Yes, we had a…somewhat disastrous…ceremony to honor your life. The best parts were the lighting of candles that we stuck in buckets full of sand (but blew out instantly because it was so windy outside) and the time set aside for sharing memories of you. Everyone knew we were close. But I didn’t know what to say. So I stayed silent because I wasn’t sure how to share you with our cohort (or at all). It has taken me awhile but, after one year, I feel ready ...