My dear friend Denise died two months ago. We used to work together in Columbia, and we took a camping trip up to Oregon together in June of 1979. I have such fond memories from that trip. We toured Oregon Caves, we watched a family of raccoons fight over food near a riverbank on a moonlit night, we went to Mendosa's in Mendocino to buy a London Broil and mushrooms to cook over a campfire, (and a bottle of wine to enjoy with it) at our campsite in Van Damme State Park.
Today after work, I'll be attending a gathering of friends and family who all loved her dearly, and I hope we will all share happy stories, fueled by our mutual love of Denise. She was such a wonderful person - one of the nicest that I have EVER known - and I don't say things like that lightly, believe me.
She's the one in the front in the old-time photo shown here. From left to right in the back, that's Patsy, Ellen and me - taken back sometime in the 80's.
Denise, we will always love and remember you.
(Have you ever noticed how hard it is to type when your eyes are welling up with tears....?)
Heidi, I'm sorry for the loss of your friend. I hope the gathering is a wonderful experience filled with love for Denise and that the many good memories shared will bring peace to your heart.
ReplyDeleteSorry Heidi for your loss. Enjoy celebrating her life with your friends!!
ReplyDeleteI will never forget how she was willing to lend her truck to us so we could pick up my wonderful hoosier cabinet, which I still have and treasure. Thank you Denise, you were a sweetheart. Rest in peace. Love Tina
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry for your loss Heidi Ann. The sweet memories will stay in your heart & keep you smiling when you feel like crying.
ReplyDelete~Vic~
The loss of a friend is heartwrenching. I am so sorry for you. She will never leave your heart or your mind. I hope you find comfort in celebrating her life.
ReplyDeleteWhen a good friend leaves, a part of you goes with her... but part of that friend stays with you, to comfort you.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry Heidi.
Heidi Ann, please accept my sympathy for the loss of your dear friend. I hope memories of your friendship will warm your heart!
ReplyDeletethis is a tough one. when rhonda passed it was and is still difficult for me. we had been friends since my early days with usps in stockton. but, i have tons of memories (she was my yosemite 'sister') and sounds like you do as well. i am so glad you dedicated a blog post to her. the memories will last forever heidi and i hope they help you during this transition. plyglr big time.
ReplyDeleteOMG! I was just looking for Denise due to the fire near Sonora, I had no idea she passed away! We went to junior high and high school together. I rode dirt bikes with her and spent time with her in Columbia. Yes, she was a wonderful person! We shared many happy times together and I too will miss her dearly.
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