Today my friend, my husband, and I spent hours cleaning out kitchen and bathroom cupboards of a friend who died yesterday. We filled many bags to deliver to a local food bank. You leave behind a lot when you pass out of this world. There is still much to be done, but at least the food and cleaning supplies have been taken care of.
As we sorted out food stuffs and boxes of kleenix, we talked about the good times we had. We found a picture on the refrigerator of the three of us taken at lunch decades ago when times were better and our departed friend was not in such bad health. We were such young chicks! We enjoyed going to lunch and entertaining in one another’s homes. We took some trips here and there as we decided we would much rather have experiences to remember than “stuff” that none of us needed.
Our last “trip” was at the end of September when we drove about 20 miles north to another town to have lunch at a restaurant none of us had tried. That was about as far as our friend’s poor health would allow. I’m sure she was worn out by the time we got back to town.
Two weeks ago she had surgery on her knee and never returned to her home. The home with lots of “stuff.” Her health was very fragile and the surgery seemed to push her farther into being unable to leave her bed and move around. But, we had memories of better times to talk about. All those lunches and trips.
As I worked on my computer this afternoon, I found the picture we took last Christmas, at our lunch. It was the last lunch we would have at Red Robin as the restaurant was closing so we wanted to commemorate with a photo. We didn’t realize it was our last Christmas lunch.
Please go have some good times with your good friends rather than buying them more stuff. You will have the memories long after the stuff is of no use.
This is such a beautiful picture to remember your friend with. I am so very sorry for your loss. This post is terrific to remind us all to remember what is the most important thing in life.
We have had some good times going through old photos and remembering good times. Years ago we decided it was better to DO than to BUY.
I am so sorry and moved by your loss. We will all go through the same things as we go through life, so this was interesting and identifiable if that’s a word.
Thanks for stopping by and I’d love to see your version of the sailboat!
I am so hopeful that one day soon, when my friend’s estate has been settled, that I can try my hand at the sailboat. It’s sitting on my desktop, reminding me of a better time to come. Thank you.
I’m very sorry for your loss.
Yes, we all lose loved ones. Sometimes it’s expected, sometimes it takes us by surprise. Thank you for your kindness.
It so difficult to lose a friend; the love you shared is obvious. A prayer – and a “thank you” for posting this moving memory.
Thank you for stopping by and leaving a note of condolence. I appreciate it.