I'll be seeing you...

True friends don't come along every day—that person who unconditionally accepts your myriad sins & faults, is there in the blackest of times offering love & support—the one with whom you can share you deepest secrets, dreams & fears without judgment or recrimination. I lost one such friend when she was just 25 years old, and another last night at 9:45—victim of the same insidious killer. Both fought courageously. Both lost.

Even when it became obvious that Tina's opponent was prevailing, no one was prepared for the outcome. I don't think we're ever really ready, no matter the amount of time one does or doesn't have to get used to the idea of a loved one leaving them, because it isn't the way it's supposed to end. For me, at least, that this beautiful, vibrant, very alive 49 year old woman who had so much to give, so much left to do, would actually die was incomprehensible. Hers was always the voice of calm in the midst of chaos; she was the bedrock of her family, as well as for those blessed with her friendship. Our divergent backgrounds should not have lent themselves to bonding, yet not one secret was kept from the other. Our friendship was unconditional.

Thus, I won't say 'goodbye'—rather, 'I'll be seeing you, girlfriend'...