Thursday 26 February 2009

Losing Friends and Gaining - what?


MAY YOU HAVE AS MUCH FUN AS YOU CAN BEFORE YOU'RE TOLD TO STOP

Like several other bloggers, I have lost two friends in the past week, both to cancer. So this has to be one of the most uplifting pictures I've been sent recently.

I feel desperately sorry for one of the partners, who's a lot younger and was so very close to her partner. His death was sudden, though he didn't suffer. She is strong, intelligent and very talented; a very special person. She will get through this, but she doesnt realise this right now.

The other friend's health had gradually deteriorated over the last few years and while I think leaving this life must have been a huge relief for her, I wish she hadn't had to suffer for so long.

The strange thing is, both funerals are at the same time on the same day. Unfortunately one is in Cornwall and the other in Devon, which means I can't attend both, but my Mum is going to the one in Devon and will represent both of us which is some comfort.

Losing these friends has made me reflect on life as well as realising the importance of grief. All we can do is be there for our friends, to hold their hands when they need us, to cry and laugh with them and think of the good memories, not focus on our loss.

It's made me realise how much we must value every day that we have. Enjoy Friends, Fun and Families. Be enthusiastic, empathetic and caring.

It's my birthday on Saturday and I will raise a glass to all my friends, whether with me or not, wherever they are.

Who knows what life has in store for us?

24 comments:

Aoj and The Lurchers said...

FP, what a dreadful time for you. I am so sorry about the loss of your friends {{hugs}}

Flowerpot said...

Thanks AOJ - you havent exactly had an easy time of things lately. Hope you are feelig a bit more spring like..

menopausaloldbag (MOB) said...

Oh I am truly sad for you. You sound like a tremendous friend too. How much you will miss them. Grief is so solitary a path to tread. Smile on your birthday, wipe away a tear and then smile again because you knew such great people. Happy Birthday for the day.

Flowerpot said...

MOB - thank you so much. I know that you are a great friend too. I raise my coffee mug now...!

Amanda said...

Thinking of you at this sad time. And that is indeed a lovely.

Jenny Beattie said...

Oh Flowerpot, I'm so sorry to hear your news. You're right though, friends everywhere...

Big cyber hugs to you.

Chris Stovell said...

We're not doing very lately, are we? I'm so sorry to hear about the loss of your friends, but you are right to appreciate the here and now. Happy birthday for Saturday, enjoy your day. Cx

Elaine Denning said...

I'm so sorry, FP. Life has such a cruel way of teaching us what is important.

Unknown said...

Huge hugs.
lx

ADDY said...

What a sad time for you for both to come so soon after one another. As you say, being there for your friends and remembering the good times will help them through this.

MarmiteToasty said...

((((FP)))) huge warming hugs to you at this sad time.... and your post is so right, one never knows, no need to sweat the little things in life that so many do....

Fanks for this post, it just nudges that reminder that we so often need...

x

Flowerpot said...

Thanks, Amanda.

JJ - hugs very gratefully received!

Chris - YOu and me both, eh? Hope your Goodbyes aren't too painful.
Thanks for the birthday wishes.

Flowerpot said...

Elaine - you;re right there.

Liz - many thanks. Hugs always help.

Rosiero - remembering the good times is so important isnt it?

Marmie - a lovely heartwarming comment - thanks so much!

Akelamalu said...

You echoed my sentiments entirely FP, no-one knows what tomorrow may bring or even if tomorrow will arrive so make the most of today!

Lane Mathias said...

What a sad time. I'm so sorry fp.

That photo is just brilliant.

Happy Birthday on Saturday. I hope you have a lovely - and peaceful - day. x

Flowerpot said...

Ak - yes we surely must!

Flowerpot said...

Lane - many thanks. It is a great picture isnt it?!

Deborah Carr (Debs) said...

So sorry to read about the loss of your friends. I'm sure you're a wonderful friend to have.

I love the photo, it made me laugh. I've just come off the phone from speaking to a friend who has been very unwell, though thankfully not life-threatening

Happy Birthday for tomorrow.x

Pat Posner said...

HUGS, Flowerpot. I second what MOB and others have already said.

Your friends will always be with you wherever they are.

Have a good day tomorrow 'cos that's what they'd want.

xxPat

Flowerpot said...

Debs - thanks and I do hope your friend improves very soon.

MarmiteToasty said...

HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY WISHES FOR YESTERDAY....

Hope you were surrounded by love and friends....

x

Flowerpot said...

Thanks Marmie - I was and am extending the birthday to last several days!

Anonymous said...

Here, Here. I guess none of us really know what's around the corner even though it's sometimes easy to predict.

CJ xx

Flowerpot said...

CJ - and sometimes you just hae no idea at all!