better with two

sigh.

she was like a 2nd mother to me. it didn't matter that she already had 3 girls, i was her 4th. i went on vacation with them, to special events, out to eat, stayed at their home. she picked up a lot of what my parents weren't able to give, emotionally.

yesterday was her viewing. i went, of course. i hadn't seen my friend in oh... 12 years maybe. that in itself is a long story.

we hugged for a long time. we both cried. i got to introduce her to my husband.

she told me about her mom: stage 4 metastatic breast cancer for the past 3 years, spread to her bones. wouldn't have even known she was sick up until the past week or so. she was active, happy, herself to the very end.

i would expect nothing less

she was a very loved woman, so many friends. she touched so many people with her bubbly personality, her infectious laugh, her genuine care. all of her daughters' best friends growing up were there; we all felt so loved by her.

her middle daughter said to me, "she would've loved having all of these people here - girl loved a crown." her youngest, "she never stopped loving or caring about you."

that broke my heart, man.

anyway, this is to karen. i know you are at peace, with family and friends who have preceded you, and your pup who went just earlier this week to make sure she could greet you when you arrived. you will forever be loved and missed, and your memory held dear.