i hate sad news like this

We had some sad news today. Our friend, A, whom we met only once before we left for Chicago passed away this summer. B had tried to reach her and her husband when we arrived back in Southern California and wasn't having much luck. We knew that she wasn't in the best of health, but had no idea that she had taken a turn for the worse.

B met them on this My So-Called Life mailing list that he helped run. They credit him with their coming together and getting married. Apparently there are a few couples that formed from that list.

It had been a very long time since I met someone so warm and genuinely excited to meet us. A put us at ease and welcomed us as her honored guests into her home. She introduced us to her amazing three-legged cat (whom we learned had to be put down recently as well) who was as gracious as her owner.

We went to dinner with her husband and her daughter and had a delightful time. She saw to it that we were well tended to throughout the meal. We talked as though we were old friends, and not people who were meeting for the first time. Before the night was over they took us on a tour of their city, and even stopped and let us get out to see what is believed to be the orange tree that started it all.

From what B described, it doesn't sound like A's husband is doing well. It is understandable as the grief is still relatively new, and it was very clear how much they loved one another. Still, I wish there was something I could do to ease his burden. I suspect A's daughter may also be in a similar state.

on the night stand :: A Family Daughter