The week after my birthday is always a strange time. After the celebrations are done, and the presents are put away, another anniversary looms.
My dear friend Richard passed away tragically, just a few days after my birthday and just a few days before his own 28th birthday. It's been 9 years now, but at times it still feels so raw. Rich was one of the most complex and beautiful people I've ever known. Incredibly smart and talented, funny and kind, painfully shy and guarded. He was one of my best friends and still is. Not a day goes by that I don't think of him and wish he was around in a more tangible way.
So I'm having a quiet week over here. Taking time to just be. Remembering, and honouring grief.
Well, how nice that you have your blog to tell us about Richard too. I think you remembering plan sounds like a good one. A quiet week sounds good too, take it easy. Time doesn't seem to matter where grief is involved, I reckon- sometimes it might seem like forever since we saw someone and sometimes it's as clear as yesterday xx
ReplyDeleteHappy belated birthday Cathy... and a beautiful way to celebrate the remembrance of your dear friend...
ReplyDeleteHugs
Jenny x
It's nice to be able to remember those that we love and care about that pass away and nice that you can tell us about Richard too. I too had a lady that I was caring for for two and a half years and she passed away from Motor Neurone Disease at the age of 49 ..... it was the anniversary of her passing in April and I don't think I will ever forget what a courageous and beautiful person she was. My dad too was killed in an accident when I was 6 and even now at the age of 53 I still miss him so much and think of not having him in my life or the lives of my children. I don't think you ever forget those that mean a great deal to you. Take care.
ReplyDeleteA very Happy (belated) Birthday. You made a beautiful tribute to your dear friends life here, and I relate to the pain and sorrow and also the beauty in how these people who meant so much to us still lives on in our daily lives and we carry on their memory... I also lost a very dear friend 9 years ago, and I still think and miss him great laugh and his sense of humour and very sensitive heart and soul (he was also painfully shy person).
ReplyDeleteBig hugs from Canada, Mari
That was beautifully written. I've found it really does help to share, and it's nice that you can share him with us.
ReplyDeleteI lost my first daughter five years ago this July, and I think every day of how it's a shame she isn't in my younger daughter's life, or mine or my parents' for that matter. I just recently wrote about her for the first time on my Blog, and it really did help me.
I like the way you said it - honouring grief. That is something I didn't let myself do for so long. Best wishes.