TIM AL AND SUSAN...THE ROCK95 MORNING CREW

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GONE TOO SOON

Susan Meredith

July 15, 2010

I lost a friend this week. Yesterday actually. Found out yesterday afternoon that she had passed away in her sleep Tuesday. It is always hard when life throws you something like that. I find it particularly difficult to deal with sudden death. Right away I thought of her parents...her sister...her friends. Of which I was one...from the time we were 5 years old.

She had an amazing smile...big, bright...I would even say flashy. It was genuine. And I saw it on Sunday. I saw her at the grocery store and from about 20 feet away she smiled and waved. I remember thinking she looked pretty and happy. I smiled and waved back. How I wish I had gone over to "catch up". Hadn't spoken with her in a few months. She was one of those people who I completely took for granted as always being around. I can see her turned and smiling and waving...only 4 days ago. It's haunting me.

My childhood memories are filled with her. Trish. She was my first "best friend". We had such fun. I wish I could rewind a few decades and walk to Charlies Variety with her to get a bag of chips and a pop. Like we did so many times. Catch pollywogs in the creek on Third Street...settle in to watch afterschool TV with gingerale and cookies. Or rescue found kittens, cats, dogs etc... We did that so many times...drove her Mom nuts...hiding them in her playhouse...stealing milk and cat food from the house to take care of them. Her love for animals is something I will respect forever. It stayed with both of us. We used to listen to and then rehearse Beatles songs and then perform them for her parents...I am sure it was quite comical...but we thought we were really good!

In recent years, we've exchanged stories of life...men...family...jobs. The usual. And we never forgot each other's birthday. Her 47th would have been July 24th.

It is breathtaking to realize that one day you can be here...living your life. And the next day be gone. I am now reminded of my own mortality...of everyone's really. I am reminded (again) to take care and appreciate those I love and care about. Stop and talk. Always. Connect with those around you. You never know when the opportunity will vanish.

Comments 6

Liz heels 16 Jul

I'm very sorry for your loss. Reading your commentary choked me up and brought tears to my eyes. It not only made me feel sad for you but your friend and her family as well...the ache and emptiness. Your absolutely right though. We do take not only our own mortality for granted but others as well. This was brought home to me last August when my mother suffered not one but two heart attacks.

Here's cyber hugs... ( ) ( ) ...best I can do.

Take care and know she's watching over you.

Liz
Amber Collins 17 Jul
My deepest sympathy goes to you Susan....your story brought tears to my eyes. Life is so short.
Christine Bouwkamp 20 Jul
(((Susie))) that made me cry...life IS such a fragile thing. We should never take anyone or anything for granted, it can be gone in a blink. Love you my friend xo
Mitch S. 21 Jul
I'm truly sorry to hear of your loss. You are indeed a great friend.
cm 24 Jul
Well said Susan. Trish was a very, very special person. I will miss her dearly.
Wendy Stacey 04 Aug
Hi Susan. I'm so sorry to hear about your friend. By taking the time to put the message on your blog, you have reminded all of us that we need to stop and talk to each other -- face to face. Technology can fill in some blanks, but nothing is better than putting your arms around someone and saying "I love you". You have my sympathy, sweetie. I hope you can find comfort in your memories. That is something nobody can take away from you!!!!!!!!
***Thank you so much Wendy. This is for sure the lesson to be learned here. Face to face preferred...but voice to voice is OK. I am soooo tired of texting etc... or worse...just not taking time to make the people who ARE important FEEL important. Thanks for your writing girl.*** (Susan M)