Death of a Friend

I debated writing something. I felt I wasn't the right person, but I've decided that isn't so. The reason for my hesitation is I was no longer speaking to Suzanne at the time of her death. I wish I could say this was due to me moving away, but it was due to a disagreement. When I heard of her passing, I felt such deep sadness for her. She did not have an easy time of it the last few years. The more I thought about her situation, the more I recalled when we had been friends.

Suzanne and I were lunch buddies for 3 years in Tampa. We rotated between a few specific restaurants, where Suzanne was always known and regaled. I always found it humorous that this woman who was known at work for being gruff, could evoke such tender feelings from these service workers. Suzanne was always compassionate and friendly towards me. Yes, she had her moments of getting gruff, but I knew she was my friend in the end. We used to enjoy discussing the JD Robb books. We discussed many hot topics, the hardest one being the loss of our loved ones to cancer.

I have many fond memories of Suzanne. I regret that she was alone at the time of her passing. I regret that she may have been afraid. I hope she has found peace after her years of struggle. I feel I can't express how I feel, but I felt I should make an effort. For those who knew Suzanne, please comment on your feelings. Also read Abby's blog. She expresses her feelings better than I.