Death hasn’t often lurked in my sphere, but in less than two weeks, two friends have passed away – Annie in New Zealand on June 25 and Elisa in Australia today. Both were way too young, had been sick with different forms of cancer, and leave lasting impressions.
I didn’t write about Annie at the time of her death because it didn’t feel right. I’m not even sure I should write about her and Elisa now. They were both fighters and I think, if anything, I want to acknowledge their fighting spirits.
Fingers crossed they’re feeling fantastic, wherever they are now. I hope Annie has her immaculate wardrobe and pearls, and Heineken still quenches her thirst. I hope Elisa is surrounded by music and white horses and dances under the stars every night. Needless to say, family and friends would have preferred for them to be with us a little longer, but wow, they sure gave it all they had when they were here. The only consolation is they’re no longer in pain.
I wrote to Bronwyn, Annie’s best friend, who I met Annie through, with a collection of thoughts and memories. Bronwyn read them to Annie’s cousin, who asked to use them in the eulogy. Leo came up with the idea of foregoing eulogies by telling those around us what we would say about them at their funeral, while they’re still alive. I know not everyone is presented with an opportunity like this, but isn’t it a lovely thought?
Wishing you a wonderful day.
fitfor15in15 ... and further 
Have a tear in my eye for your thoughts on your lovely friends who I had not met and yes, I am sure they are in a good place. Take care of your wonderful Leo.
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Thanks Mum, they were great women. Disbelief is turning into acceptance now. I feel so sad for their families, especially Elisa’s wonderful husband xx
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Wise man that Leo. Mind you – I think you are very good at staying in contact with people and saying things while they alive. As ever,death is a reminder that we should all be making the most of the opportunity to live our lives with as much gutso as possible. On a small note makes me feel positive that I did get out of bed and go to the gym this morning and am going to lunch with people from my class at Clayfield (an annual lunch). And on the theme of saying things now rather than at funerals – I am very lucky to have such a fun and giving sister who has always lived her life to the fullest!
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Ahhh, my Bestest. The bottles of air you fed me have had no lasting impact, I pp…ppp…pppp…promise!
No, seriously, I struck gold when they made you my sister xxx
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Darling Ange. Thank you for all the Buttercup Moments you have added to my life. I love you. You are a treasure. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
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Thank you for all the random (but still calculated) silliness we have shared, Gab. I’ll always enjoy knowing you’re the Dumb to my Dumber and that we can laugh and be silent and talk and know the other is always there xxx
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I’m sorry to hear of the loss of your friends Angela. What a wise man Leo is.
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Thank you Freda. It’s been a strange few days, but I think I’m coming out of it now and am ready to write more. How has your ballet injury been healing?
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So sorry about yor friends Angela. Leo is so right. I once had the chance to talk about an old lady at church who has been such an inspiration to me. It was like a eulogy and I am so grateful to have been able to say to her publicly what I, and a lot of other people, felt about her. She is such a modest lady and was stunned! I think I’m going to make it a summer of telling my friends and family how much they mean! Penny Lxx
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What a brilliant idea, Penny! If there’s one thing we can take from grief, it’s live life just that little bit ‘more’. What a wonderful opportunity you had with your friend. It sounds like you’ll be making many people feel even more loved this summer. Enjoy! xx
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