My heart is aching with the loss of my dear, sweet friend Amy. She moved in with her family next door to me when she was 9 years old, which would have been 50 years this October. We quickly became friends.
Amy and I spent a lot of time together in those "growing up" years. Later, besides the more usual dinner and a movie, we enjoyed all kinds of activities together -- comedy shows, community theatre productions, the Michigan State Fair, haunted houses, amusement parks, a dude ranch, or just a game of pool or miniature golf. We trekked to our share of wineries, including in Finger Lakes, New York. In Pennsylvania, we took an Amish buggy ride and learned to twist pretzels. We visited Hershey and stayed downwind from the famed chocolate factory. We also went whitewater rafting. And in Nassau, Bahamas, we toured the island and went helmet diving, walking along the ocean floor.
While we hadn't gotten together for quite some time, due to life circumstances, Amy and I kept in touch. We talked just a few days before her passing. And I even commented that I was so glad we had a chance to share so many experiences. I had been thinking about that even more this year.
Taken from us far too soon, I will always miss Amy's presence in my life. I have so many memories, and much will remind me of Amy. Little things, such as her fondness for Reese's peanut butter cups, and the tomato sandwiches she enjoyed, with tomatoes from my garden. And the bigger things—the life lessons in courage, strength, determination and service, along with a smile.
May you rest now with the angels, dear Amy, until I see you again.