I was reading a mournful novel last night which led me to think about an old friend of mine who sadly is not here anymore. One of the sorrowful things about getting older is that this begins to happen more and more as time passes. Since my old blog is not available anymore I thought I would reprint here something that I wrote when I learned that she had passed away, to, in a small way, keep her memory alive.
‘Once, long ago, when the world was younger and full of hope, I had a friend, Allison. Allison was clever with numbers and had a keen and incisive mind. She was witty but never hurtful and often knew what you were thinking even before you knew yourself. She always seemed to see the world more clearly then everyone else. My parents generation would have called her levelheaded but she was more than that. Somehow she could see the bad in people but still have faith in them. She was a gentle girl who played the piano like an angel and who liked to sing sad folk songs slightly off key.
We were in school together more than twenty years ago and as people do our lives drifted apart. She wanted to be a classical pianist but never reached that dream. Instead she taught music to school children. She also composed jingles for television commercials and every once in a while she would call me and say "My song's on TV!" I hope she inspired many small children somewhere to love music and to find harmony in the world.
I learned this morning that she died suddenly, succumbing to a fast moving illness. To her family and friends the only thing I can think to say is something I thought the first time I met her in 1982. It was my first day of college at a small school in Florida. I was moving my things into my dorm room when I saw this small petite girl with long flowing blonde hair sitting on the sea wall looking out over the bay. The sun was setting and she was playing a guitar. I walked out to introduce myself thinking that I had never seen anyone so centered and happy. We were fast friends from that day.
We sat on the seawall that night for several hours watching as the sun set and the small boats passed by. The thing that came into my head as I watched her play the guitar that first time was:
She knew how to see the poetry in the everyday.’
16 comments:
Beautiful. I hope one day that I can sit down and write something as eloquent about my sister.
dead, I think that the act of remembering keeps people alive. I am sure when you eventually find the words to honor your sister they will be eloquent and heartfelt.
You have conveyed her beauty both outside and, most importantly - inside. The wonderful person I am sure she was shines through in your very well-written words.
Ed
Ed, thanks for your kind words. It is sad to think how fragile life can be.
I remember reading this.
chelle, yes, I remember you posting some very kind words. Thank you for that.
I remember you writing about her and I remember feeling the bond you felt with her.
I'm sorry, Laoch for the loss of your friend.
truly sorry.
hk, thanks, friends are very rare and valuable and irreplaceable.
I was touched by the tribute to Allison. And that which you said to hk, yes indeed; friends ARE very rare, valuable and irreplacable. Well and truly said my friend.
ro
ro, I appreciate your kind words
Thank you for the visit and comment. Indeed the rememberance of a friend is precious and filled with light. As ever be well
stephen, I appreciate your comment. Sending you good health wishes.
Its always sad losing a good friend, but I’m glad she left you with many wonderful memories to forever cherish
tim, as you get older you find that sometimes all you have left is memories
beautiful post. i think it is blurb.com (or one of the self publishing sites) that allows you to print your blog into a coffee table book with one click. that would be a lovely thing to do with your old blog so you don't loose your beautiful posts.
Mr Puggle, thanks very much. Great tip.
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