I am about to adjourn for the night.
I just wanted to share with you something that made me very happy, and very sad all at the same time.
Just over five years ago, my friend Edmund died.
I was fairly heartbroken when I heard the news. It was sudden, and entirely unexpected, and it ripped a big hole in my life.
About a year after it happened, I wrote about Edmund, about how sad I was that he had gone, and about how much I missed him (and I still miss him), and what I remembered about him. I just wanted to talk about him, and keep him alive in my mind.
Ever since then, people who knew Edmund too have found the post I wrote, and left their own memories and thoughts in the comments box. It happens three or four times a year, and every time it happens it makes me sad that he is gone, and happy that people are kind enough to share their memories with me, and keep his memory alive a little longer.
This week, a comment pinged into my in box from his wife.
It was kind, and generous and thoughtful, and it made me cry in the best way.
And it made me absolutely glad that I write this blog, because If nothing else I have ever written makes a difference, I know this post has, and that is entirely a good thing.
It was a beautiful tribute Katy and the comments that followed the original post add to it each in their own way. Some people have the gift of making an indelible mark on the world no matter how brief their sojourn, Edmund obviously was one such. I hope his family gain some comfort from knowing so many others were enriched by his part in their lives, remember him with joy and mourn his passing.
A lovely tribute and a lovely way to continue to remember such a special person.
Thank you.xx
Oh Katy, what a beautiful tribute – and source of memories for Edmund’s daughters. I’ve had a wee cry as I read the comments remembering your wonderful friend. xx
Em
Thank you.xx
Hi Katy
I’ve been lurking on your blog for about a year or so now. Your funny and engaging posts are a lovely reminder of home for me (I live overseas) plus we have similar taste in books (my Dad & I thank you for the introduction to Ben Aaronvitch) and we share a horror/fear/general distaste for driving (I, too, had to learn later in life out of necessity).
Anyway, your tribute to your friend really made an impact on me. It was beautiful and made me realise that there are certain friends who I don’t see very often or even contact very often but I think of them far more often and if they suddenly weren’t around, they would leave a gaping hole. Also, there are friends with whom I correspond from afar who have provided a lifeline and I would be bereft without them, even though I don’t see them in person very often. I don’t think I’ve ever told these friends what they mean to me and your post made me resolve that I should – now and before it is too late.
I’m really sorry that you lost such a special friend but your tribute ensures he lives on as people add their memories and comments.
Thanks
Denise
Hi Denise
Thank you so much for your comment. It has cheered me up on what has been a day of difficulty for me. I am so glad to have heard from you. xx
Hi Katy
I’m glad i cheered you up and sorry you have had a difficult day. it is Friday. Fridays shouldn’t be difficult.
Maybe I will start commenting more frequently.
By the way, after commenting, I immediately e-mailed two of my friends to let them know how I felt. I’m really glad I did.
Have a lovely weekend.
Denise x
Denise
The weekend was better. Hope you had a good one.xx