I lost a close friend this holiday season.
Unexpected.
Unthinkable.
Devastating.
Another dear friend left some time ago, moving to Maine.
Our love of art fashioned both friendships.
Giorgione,
Georgia,
Guanyin.
We learned the art of docent-ing together.
Kathee’s daughter discovered a gift with my name on it.
Deidre’s present arrived in the mail the same day. Eight perfect biscotti, handmade.
A Gift-of-the-Magi-lump-in-my-throat moment.
My gift to Kathee sits wrapped under the tree. A comforter. Soft and warm.
I have no gift for Deidre.
To give.
Or not give.
Or not be able to give.
There is an art to the giving and receiving of gifts.
Dear Marilyn, I wanted to acknowledge this post, though I am late in doing so. Sending love and warm thoughts during this time of love and loss and more love.
Dear Marilyn, sending you warm thoughts this season. I treasure each day. I love returning to Pauma and was married there one year ago yesterday. Stayed at the club in a cottage and love gazing up to the mountain Which holds so many memories yet also holds more to come. I now live on the raw Oregon Coast in a whole new world and train docents at an old lightkeepers home and think of Jack as there is a vintage photo of a Jack Woods in our historical center. He isn’t your Jack but us a wide-smiled strapping young soldier.
I consider each day a gift. I hope yours is a gift today…. With much love…..Terry, Florence OR
Heceta Head Lighthouse
Christmas greetings Marilyn - I know you will never get over missing the love of your life anymore than I will get over missing Trevor, who was the love of MY life, so Christmas will not be 'merry', but I know you will make the best of it, as will I. I miss all of my Pauma friends. Pauma was really a second home. I hope it doesn't change too much. I'm sending a big hug and maybe you will pass it along to Longneckers, Gary, and the Prydays. I am in touch with the Stenzels regularly and I know they miss Pauma as well. What a special place!!!
Merry Christmas, dear Marilyn. I wish you Peace.
It is sad when we lose a loved one, especially so close to Christmas. Sending love and hugs, and wishing you a Christmas filled with loving family and happy memories.