Saturday, February 14, 2015

No Sad Goodbyes



My beautiful and talented friend Lucie was lead to heaven by the angels on Thursday, after a long illness.  She was a loving wife and mother, a ballet dancer, artist, volunteer for multiple causes, and a gracious friend to many. I know her spirit will live on in all who loved her and in the ballet school and dance students she devoted so much time and inspiration to.  
I have so many happy memories that I shared with Lucie over the years I knew her. We first met when her son was in kindergarten and my children were just a couple of years older.  I was part of the Parent's Association and we were busy setting up for the annual holiday boutique fundraiser, where the students could come to buy gifts for their parents and siblings. Lucie came in shyly at lunchtime, as she did not know anyone in the PA as yet, but wanted to join and help. She had her toddler daughter with her and brought homemade baba ghanoush spread for us to share with our usual PA lunch of bagels and cream cheese. When I saw her I immediately knew I was going to like her. We began to talk, and it wasn't long before we became good friends.


In our busy lives we, along with Rosemary, another dear friend, always took time to take daily early morning walks in our local park.  We walked for over 15 years together, in all of the seasons, in all kinds of weather. Lucie and Rosemary were power walkers, and I often had to huff and puff behind, sometimes taking photos and then running to catch up with them!  As we walked around the park we talked about everything--our husbands, our children, our vacations, our jobs, politics, art, current affairs, recipes, and our pets---basically our lives.
When Lucie was getting chemo treatments she often had little energy and instead of walking she took her dog into the middle of the park to run around with the other dog walker's dogs, but whenever she felt strong enough she would join us for our last lap around the park. She handled her illness with bravery--never letting it make her sad or discouraged, She kept hope in her heart, even when faced with circumstances that would defeat many.  When I was moving to Colorado we all met together for one last breakfast-- I had tears in my eyes to leave my two wonderful friends behind!

In Lucie's last days in the hospital, our friend Rosemary brought her a bouquet of daffodils from both of us. We always looked forward to seeing the daffodils blooming in the park, as it meant Spring and nicer weather was on its way.  They are a symbol of rebirth and new beginnings. Sadly, I was not in Brooklyn for Lucie's last days, but I was able to talk to her over the phone to tell her I loved her and to wish her a peaceful journey.


My husband and I planted daffodil bulbs in our garden this past fall, and when I see them bloom this Spring I know Lucie's beautiful spirit will be there among them, smiling at me and telling me everything is good, everything is OK.

There are no sad goodbyes dear friend! Your beautiful light has not been extinguished--it lives on in all of us who have loved you!


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30 comments:

Betty said...

You were very fortunate to have such a special friend for all those years. May all those wonderful memories help during these difficult days.

Buttercup said...

No sad goodbyes, but I'm standing on the subway platform crying. To a great lady!

podso said...

I'm sorry for your loss. You have wonderful memories and reminders so that the thoughts of her will bring you joy!

Clara said...

What a beautiful post you wrote for your friend! Lucky you for such a lovely friend and lucky her too for friends like you!
R.i.p.

Rattlebridge Farm said...

Your tribute is heart-felt and tender. I'm so sorry for your loss. ((Hugs))

From the Kitchen said...

What lovely memories of a wonderful friend. You and Lucie were blessed to have found one another. May she rest in peace and in your heart.

Best,
Bonnie

Pondside said...

A friendship such as yours is precious. I am sorry that you have lost your friend. You have sweet memories to console you - of your walks and all the good times you shared. May your dear friend rest peacefully.

eileeninmd said...

Hello Pat, I am sorry for the loss of your dear friend.. A lovely post and tribute to Lucie! Sending my prayers to you and her family!

Ciao Chow Linda said...

She sounds like a wonderful person Pat. We are lucky to have had relationships like this one. I'm sure you were both enriched by the friendship and I'm sorry for you that she's gone.

Parsimonious Décor Darling said...

Your friend sounds beautiful, and so is this post in memorandum. So sorry for your loss.

Helen said...

Your tribute is incredibly beautiful .. you were both blessed to have experienced that kind of deep friendship. Take care ...

Michelle said...

So sorry for your loss. This is a wonderful tribute to your friend.

Pamela Gordon said...

I'm very sorry for the loss of your dear friend. This is a lovely tribute to her. Blessings to you.

The Gathering Place said...

A beautiful tribute to a dear friend- your life was enriched by this good friend. I'm sure she would want positive memories for you all and the spring bulbs will be a perfect reminder each year. I still want to send you "Somebody Loves You, Mr. Hatch" . Can you send me an address? Thanks.

Jojo said...

I'm so sorry Pat. Your words about your friend are beautiful and how fortunate you were to have each other in your lives. I love the thought that her memory stays with your through your daffodils. It makes me think we should all have a flower as our symbol.

Tanna said...

I am so sorry for your loss, Pat... but, celebrate with you such a wonderful friendship... a true treasure in this life. blessings ~ tanna

Betsy Banks Adams said...

What a nice tribute to your special friend... Her light WILL live on from people like you and others who knew and loved her. God Bless her family and friends.
Hugs,
Betsy

Roz | La Bella Vita Cucina said...

I am sorry to hear about the passing of such a life-long friend, but happy to read that you were able to talk to her once more. The daffodils is a perfect symbol to remember her!
Blessings,
Roz

Margaret said...

Dear Pat, A heartfelt very moving tribute for your dear friend Lucie. May wonderful memories and blooming daffodils keep her close in your heart. With caring hugs and thoughts, Margaret from B.C.

Lorrie said...

I'm sorry for the loss of your good friend, Pat. Forever you will hold her memory in your heart.

Laura @ the shorehouse. said...

I have tears in my eyes as I read this beautiful tribute. I feel like I've gotten to know her a bit through your blog...you are so lucky to have had such a beautiful friendship through the years. I am so, so sorry for your loss but inspired by the life she lived. Condolences to everyone in Lucie's life.

Barbara F. said...

I am crying, it is sad, but so true what you wrote, her light will live on in her family amd dear friends. Keeping you and her family in my prayers.

Anonymous said...

So sad to hear this. Hugs.

Daniela said...

It's always so hard to say goodbye to a person we've loved and with whom we've shared unforgettable moments, but remember, my dearest Pat, if they've deeply loved us, they never leave us alone, they go on watching over us from up above ...
With love I hug you
Dany

Ida said...

That was one of the most uplifting tributes to friendship I have ever read. You were both truly blest to have known each other.

Sam Hoffer / My Carolina Kitchen said...

I am so sorry for your loss Pat. You were very fortunate to have such a lovely friend.
Sam

Gracie said...

You were fortunate to share many years and many memories together, this will help you go on remembering her. I'm sure she will look after you from above.

Rue said...

I never know what to say when someone loses someone that they love, but.... I'm so sorry, Pat.

I'll say a prayer, my friend.


xoxo

Proud Italian Cook said...

You got me when you said you planted daffodils in your garden, a beautiful gesture for your beautiful friend Pat. What a blessing to have had her in your life. xox

Sallie (FullTime-Life) said...

Oh Pat what a beautiful heartfelt tribute and remembrance of your dear friend. I am so sorry, but glad that you have the lovely memories.