YOUR HEART and MY HEART are very, very, old friends” – Hafiz
This quote captures the incredible friendship Irma and I shared. It was on a card created by her daughter-in-law, Manette. Inside Irma wrote how she missed me and she loved our FaceTime calls when not in Arizona. It was these small but powerful things she did for me that made me love her. Irma became my confidant and source of reason. She had a way of giving me advice, criticism and even sometimes an argument but it was always in her sweet and loving way.
The Cottams & Cuddihees became snowbirds the same year. We met at the neighborhood social hour–we were always the first there and the last to leave. Irma & I were pool buddies, wine pals and sistas! We shared stories (some made up, some for real), we laughed a lot and were always there to help each other. To say I will miss her is an understatement.
Recently I suffered the loss of my husband and who was there to comfort me? Irma. She sent me texts, gifts and cards. This is what was written in the last card she sent:
I know for certain that we never lose the people we love, even to death.
They continue to participate in every act, thought and decision we make.
Their love leaves an indelible imprint in our memories.
In the past weeks after losing Irma, I have read and reread this card. I have come to believe these words. Is it a coincidence that she shared these words with me…I think not. She will continue to be my confidant.
Love, Joanne