Saying Goodbye

Our Warren passed away last week. I never had the pleasure of meeting him in person, but I feel as though we knew each other quite well. He had a great sense of history. His stories were always captivating and fun.

I do believe that I have had to say goodbye to a great many people these past four years. It never gets easy. My heart goes out to Warren's family during this difficult time.

It isn't just our loved ones that are gone, but familiar faces of the community. Bits of our childhood crumbling away under the strain of time.

I couldn't name everyone who has passed on this past year. But I do know that they mattered to someone or everyone. They occupied a special corner of my world and those of my peers.

Many of us will talk about picking up the telephone to tell a loved one some great news and realize that it just isn't possible. We wish that they would be there for the happy moments of our lives and ache for their hugs when life gets dark and heavy.

Just as I was starting to write this blog, two of my grandchildren came over to visit. Little Chloe is literally running everywhere. She gets tickled with herself and her newfound independence. It was like a glimpse of sunshine on a gray overcast day to see her smile and giggle.

And Gavin with his sweet soft voice and infectious laugh brightened up our living room. Grandma's supply of toys are all over the living room floor, but I don't care. I had a dose of sweetness to last me for the next few winter days.

Although we have had to say goodbye to the familiar faces of our childhoods; a new generation of memories come in the shape of grandchildren. We are to see hope and promise in their tiny faces. Everything becomes new and shiny again.

Not all goodbyes are sad. Some of them are brand new and thrilling. Chloe treated us to several of her "best" goodbyes tonight. Each one brought a smile of delight to our faces.

Warren, I hardly knew you, but your words never ceased to warm my heart. When they open the book of life it will have many pages of written about your days here on earth. The people that you befriended and the lives that were changed by your words and stories.

You truly understood that words can heal and uplift; that history should teach us about our own choices in life. I will miss your blogs and I will miss your kind comments and support.