Remembering Someone Who Died.

We all know somebody who was once cherished but is now gone. Or, perhaps, they passed away suddenly. Your friend may have left or moved away and you never saw them again. Maybe it was a good buddy, male or female, or perhaps a potential love interest. Special friends may stay for a while, then leave; some die or disappear into the world, our lives going different directions, nothing changing inside, but everything changing outside.

How many times do you catch yourself wondering what happened? Do you want to find them but can’t gain the courage to make the first step because you’re afraid of what you might find out? Do you hesitate because you feel your special person is, or was, angry at you, or maybe you’re angry at them? Perhaps you left the friendship/relationship on a bad note with negative feelings . Maybe your special friend died and you've never acknowledged your feelings for them.

I had a friend, Lynda, who was my running buddy for years. We shared the birth of our children together, life, loves and sorrow. Our lives went different directions and we didn't see each other very much. Lynda had a disabling disease that took her through many struggles for years. Between us, nothing changed within, though everything changed outside. I felt a wall separated us, but knew in my heart nothing was changed within. We saw each other periodically during the course of her illness. I received a long letter from her. It meant so much....I called her and we had a long talk. Then she died. I thank God we had that talk.

Pat was a male friend of mine for years. He was a true comedian, yet my feelings were never more than friendly. When I got married, it changed everything. I told him once "Dang Pat, now that I'm gettin' married we can't hang out together anymore...!" We still talked to each other a lot, but never in the same sense of comradeship. He died on Christmas Eve, 2006. I never got to tell him how much I appreciated him and never got to tell him goodbye except in my heart.

This is for that special friend,

Someone I knew before.

The friend I said goodbye to

Or maybe shut the door….

The friend I laughed and cried with

as our lives entwined just right….

The ally in my battles

And the helper in my plight.

Dear friend,

I think about the crazy times

We both felt bold and free.

Talking late into the night…

laughing, just you and me.

You had a purpose in my life

To show me several things.

My memory proves your image stayed

Although your leaving stings.

I think about you every day

And wonder where you are

Could you be closer than I think?

My heart tells me you’re far.

So with these words I throw my thoughts

Into a well of love

And wish you all the best in life

And grace from God above.

I hope that wherever your special friend, lover, relative, helper, co-worker, childhood buddy or any other cherished person is today, you will think of them and be comforted. If it's someone who died, I pray you have peace as you think about the happy moments spent, with the thought that for a season in your life you were blessed to be a part in the creation of amazing memories. Remember your special ones with fondness, cherish it and pray for the best. If your paths cross again….wonderful! If not, then what a pleasant memory.