How Can We Possibly Say Goodbye?

“How can we possibly say goodbye?” is the question I’ve been struggling with over the past few weeks.

I’m sorry to reveal that my best friend for over 45 years has passed away. It’s heartbreaking. She was my person. The one who was always there for me. Always. I don’t know how to say goodbye.

A true Canadian, she was the most selfless person I’ve ever known. This post alone would have her redirecting, asking me inciteful and thoughtful questions. Then she’d listen to my answers. Really listen.

In honor of her humble nature, I’ll keep her identity private. However, you should know she was the queen of adventure.

I know she’d not want me to say goodbye, but to keep her spirit and our friendship alive through further escapes. I just need to figure out how.

Feeling sad and confused, I was grateful for the opportunity to hang out with some quality Americans in the soul-enriching city of Santa Cruz, California last week.

I met these New Jersey and California writers around the dinner table at last year’s Erma Bombeck Writers’ Workshop in Dayton, Ohio. As some of you know, EBWW is held every other year. We were thrilled, when a few months back, Amber offered up her beach house as a mini Erma-off-year writers’ retreat. Hello. Several days of endless gourmet meals, sunshine, and writing? Yes, please.  Everyone signed on with the exception of Allia, who’s off to a family wedding in Ireland.

Cruising In Santa Cruz

With six bedrooms and nearly 5000 square feet of living space, the house was more than adequate for our party of seven. The location couldn’t be more perfect. We swooned upon learning the picturesque Sunny Cove was just 500 hundred feet from the front door … what writing?

Okay, enough nitter natter.  I’ll pause and let you just soak up some of the glory of Santa Cruz.

And yes, for those of you more interested in writing, we did indulge. Amber pitched us some original and inspiring topics. I came home feeling quite ready to tackle book number two … More on that in another post.

How Can We Possibly Say Goodbye?

I also came home with a clearer perspective. It’s still early days, but I realize I needn’t say goodbye in the sense of shutting a door and forgetting. I refuse to do that. She nudged me to live. To soar above in a hot air balloon, to gallop about on horseback, to scramble across wobbly, narrow boards high above the trees … Just thinking about these escapades makes me grin.

Okay, going forward, I’ll keep seeking out adventures like those that made us gasp with laughter and dance with joy. In the immortal words of our New Zealand jet boat guide, “One more time for the Canadians …”

And you, dear reader, I have great news about the my friend’s Santa Cruz home. It’s available to rent on VRBO. 

Thank you for reading. Now go hug a loved one.