Everyone Is Part of Each of Us

Today I learned of the death of my friend Donna who was very close to me for many years.  She was always a true friend, kind and supportive - someone you could count on.   When we were younger, we went out and did outrageously fun things!  As we got older, our activities diminished, but we always shared our lives.  When our work together ended, she moved away out of the state, many states away.  For the first year, we kept in touch, and then the way it is with so many things, we drifted apart.  Our communication wore down to only cards at Christmas. I learned of her death almost by accident, sort of three degrees down, through a rumored source.  I actually found out the facts by going online.  She had passed away three months ago.  As the weight of the truth grew heavier throughout the day, I felt sadder and sadder.  Sad that she was gone, sad that our years together were over, sad for the fact that no one informed our community about her death, sad for the fact we hadn't spoken in several years, sad that I had not been at her funeral, sad that it was now to late to change any of this. I feel profound loss for her and the life that had been before and for all the opportunities that have been missed.  I only know that her life enhanced my own, and that her death now diminishes the future.  She takes part of me with her. I will love her always and only wish that I had kept in touch to tell her so. I am writing this to encourage everyone to call that person that you keep meaning to call.  None of us our guaranteed tomorrow.  I know it is too late, but, Donna, I love you.