Tuesday 22 December 2009

A Toast to Good Friends

When I moved to the States almost 20 years ago, I knew no one except the Ball & Chain. Given the circle of friends I had in London, this was a huge adjustment for me. As any expat knows, when you have no friends and no work Visa, it can be lonely. Through a friend of his I met Carolyn, and although she had a large circle of friends and a frantic social life, she took me under her wing, showed me around Dallas and became one of my closest friends.

The one and only time I went to New Orleans was on a girlie weekend with Carolyn. I don't think I have ever packed so much into three days and let's just say, when we got off the plane and walked into the arrivals lounge back in Dallas, we were wearing sunglasses - and not merely to look good.

A year later the B&C and I moved to Chicago, and a few years after that Carolyn moved to Boston. We managed to visit each other at least twice each, chatted on the phone regularly, and e-mailed when that came along. If the B&C were ever to re-marry (what's it called - renewing wedding vows, but I'm not into that) Carolyn would be there as the pseudo Maid of Hono(u)r.

You know I'm not a bleeding heart on my blog, but Carolyn passed away on Saturday night after an eight year battle with brain tumours, and I feel the need to shout from the rooftops how great she was, how generous she was to me and how much I will miss her.

If you were reading my blog last February, you might remember that I didn't go skiing with my family even though it meant missing the Queenager's 16th brthday. I spent the week with Carolyn as she underwent yet another biopsy thinking that she could handle it all herself, yet clearly in no shape to do so. Even though she wasn't doing so well, I had no idea she'd be gone by the end of the year.

So - a drink to my FF (fabulous friend)  Carolyn. (Swig) 

And remember folks - treasure your friends!

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20 comments:

  1. So sorry to hear your news. Nothing I can write about the pleasure she brought you or the joy of having has such a friend can make you feel any better. But I will be raising a glass to your FF in solidarity.
    xx

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  2. I will get those around me to raise a glass on my behalf. Carolyn sounds like a truly wonderful woman to have known. Thinking of you xxx

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  3. I am sorry to hear that. Raising my glass to friendship and to Carolyn, hoping that she'll know how much you miss her.

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  4. It a lovely tribute ... especially the part where you missed a significant birthday to support her through a difficult procedure. That's such a good way to honor dear friends ... by being there when you're needed.

    I'm so sorry for your loss.

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  5. I am sorry to hear about your loss Expat. Sending warm thoughts your way. X

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  6. I'm so sorry for your loss. Losing a good friend like that is hard.

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  7. I am so very sorry for your loss. It is a truly wonderful friend that can keep in touch over time and long distances. As much as you were lucky to have her as a friend, she was lucky to have you as well. My thoughts are with you during this holiday season and through your grieving and healing process.

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  8. I've been lurking here for a while and it seems like a good time to come out and say how sorry I am for your loss.

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  9. So sorry for your loss.. to have a friend like that is such a gift. I hope you find strength in your memories of her.

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  10. Welcome newbies, and thanks everyone for your kind words.

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  11. What a shame, so sorry for your loss. Eight years is a really long time with this kind of disease, she must have been a real fighter. Good you're already thinking of all the good times you had together, must be really hard.

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  12. So sorry for your loss. I moved to the US all alone 13 years ago, and found such wonderful welcoming friends. You have reminded me to cherish them.

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  13. Big Hugs and picturing you and Carolyn returning through the airport in Dallas from that blast of a weekend in New Orleans dark glasses to the fore! Cheers!

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  14. Very very sorry to hear about that. She sounds like a great friend and a fun person to be around.

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  15. I am really sad to hear this. I toast her too and may she have peace now XX

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  16. Here's to friends. Near and Far, here and now, and those that we don't forget.
    :-)

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  17. So sorry, Toni. Friends are like gold. So glad you had Carolyn and she you.

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  18. Sorry to hear this.

    Yes, friends are gold dust.

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  19. She sounds something special. A great tribute to her. xxx

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