Thursday, March 4, 2010

Dearest Friend

My dear friend

Today as I watched you sleeping I felt totally numb. It was so surreal to me and my heart was breaking for you or perhaps it was breaking for me.

We have been friends for over ten years. During this time we have worked side by side as co-workers, sharing lunches, helping each other to meet deadlines, shared stories of our families, laughed and cried together and always we encouraged each other through everything. I am the oldest so you looked to me for guidance and understanding and I tried to never let you down.

Later on we became neighbours when you and your family moved a few doors down from me. You cared for me the year after I had battled cancer and for that year each evening brought over a hot meal, you knew I wouldn't bother cooking for myself and you wanted me healthy so I would continue working. Your kindness and friendship was and is one of the best memories I hold in my heart. You kept my spirits high after my sisters had returned home and I had to live again on my own.

Today as I sit in your living room, I am remembering the day we chose the paint color for these walls and picked out the drapes now closed against the Spring sunshine, you were so happy then, full of life..... this was the first house you and your husband had purchased and would now call home.

I find it hard to understand what is going on around me now. The bed you sleep in is foreign to me in this room, the oxygen tank you breathe from, the many bottles of medication beside you and the tubes now a part of you are all so strange to me. I keep thinking of the words you spoke before you drifted off to sleep. I asked you if you were frightened and you said "no, I am to tired to feel anything." You have just come home after spending nearly 2 months in hospital. This is where you begged to come, you hated being in the hospital away from your family.

Your husband and daughters are at work, they seem to think you will be better soon and their lives will be back to normal. They only speak of when your better, but somehow I don't feel you will get any better than you are right now. No one speaks of your illness so it is hard for me to know what to do for you, what to say to you. You are unable to sit aside your bed, unable to even go to the washroom. As we looked at each other we both knew without speaking that this is not a good situation. Oh how I wish you would tell me what you are thinking, how you are truly feeling and more than anything I want to know why you don't talk to your family about what is happening, perhaps you have and this is the way you all want it to be.

Well my friend I want to tell you how much I love you, how much your friendship means to me and how I hold you in my heart and prayers always. Perhaps your family are right, you will get better and this dark sick room will once again become the bright living room it once was. Perhaps we will laugh together and share our days chatting over a cup of coffee......the way it use to be. Until this happens please know that you will be forever my friend and I will always stand beside you just as I sit beside you this afternoon. Welcome home my dearest friend, may God Bless you and the angels protect you as you journey through this horrible illness. I love you.

I began this post last night but was too tired to finish it so waited until this afternoon. As I read it over I realize I still feel the same and don't want to change my message to my dear friend. I ask you all to continue your prayers for her. I will update you all on her situation regularly as I see her almost daily.

I want to thank my dear blogger friend Cindy who helped me give my blog a fresh new look. Cindy your e-mail this morning was wonderful, so clear and easy for me to follow. I love the new look and love you for helping me achieve it. Oh I am so blessed with such wonderful blogger friends.

Have a wonderful day my friends, God Bless and ....... many, many hugs.



105 comments:

glnroz said...

most definitely......

♥ Liz ♥ said...

This is such a heartfelt letter to your friend. You really are a wonderful caring person. I hope you and your friend can one day have coffee together again. Hugs x

The Retired One said...

First, let me say I LOVE your new borders and blog layout..it is centered and soooo beautiful! just like you....
And, I am so sorry for you and your friend and what you are BOTH facing!
It is so hard to see the ones we love get ill and helpless.
I think she knows what she is facing and has decided to go over to the other side without any more fighting. She probably won't talk to her family as many people don't want to cause others emotional pain.
But I know ONE thing.
She knows YOU know and that you love her and she can thus sleep and be comfortable with you without words.
Really, the only ones you need to say to each other now is that you love each other.....
You will see each other again someday in another place and another time--I am sure of it.
Thank you so much for being the type of person who can be there for her (and many others), one who can be counted on, one who is safe....
and most of all, one who loves.
You are so special Bernie....that is what she is (silently) saying!

Abbey's Road said...

Dearest Bernie,

I do love the new look of your blog. I mean, REALLY love it! I like it so much that I would enjoy having it for myself. :D

I am praying for your friend every day, and I am praying for you as well, because you are suffering with her. You are such a genuine and Biblical woman, Bernie, and you are a wonderful role model for me and many others. I look to you for your wisdom and I so enjoy hearing from you when you visit my blog. You do know, don't you, that God steered our paths to cross and to even share along the way? I will be here should you have need of a shoulder, a good thought, a prayer, or a GOOD RECIPE!

I am ever amazed that I have a friend such as you whom I have never met. There is nothing but honesty between us, except for God, and I will always be happy that He holds your hand on one side and mine on the other.

Please give my love to Lisa and tell her that she is very special in God's eyes. He has chosen her for a very great thing - His instrument to touch a great many lives. She is the most beautiful flower in His garden.

Much love,
Abbey

Anonymous said...

what a beautifully, touching and endearing letter, bernie....nicely expressed!

and your blog looks amazing!

ciao bella..thanks for coming by!

carmelina

Anne H said...

Blog looks great -
And many many hugs to you!
I work as a Hospice Nurse,
yet I will never get used to it....
Every day is a gift, isn't it Bernie?

Bernie said...

glnroz, thank you for your prayers, so much appreciated..Hugs

Bernie said...

Liz, I so hope the day will come for us to laugh and chat over a cup of coffee as well. She is easy to be a friend too.......:-) Hugs

Bernie said...

Joan, you always know the right things to say to me to make me feel better. Thank you for that. It is so hard to watch someone you love suffer although I don't feel she is any pain right now.
Love you......:-) Hugs

Bernie said...

Oh Abbey, thank you. You are a true dear friend to me.
My letter is to my neighbour and friend Jackie, she has been sick for a few months now.
Lisa is my blogging friend who I love and care for so very much. She has had her surgery and is now waiting for treatment for her cancer.
Thank you for your prayers sweetie, we all need and appreciate them......:-) Hugs

Bernie said...

Carmenlia, thank you. I really like the new look of my blog as well and couldn't of done it without Cindy, she is amazing.
My friend is resting comfortable today and I am praying so hard for her.....:-) Hugs

Bernie said...

Anne H. I have been doing similar work for a very long time and no, one never gets use to it.
I am very please with my blog as well, we have an amazing friend in Cindy, so love her.......:-) Hugs

Brian Miller said...

the new digs look nice...

the letter was heartfelt and hard to read...seeing friends that way is never easy. i hope she reads it or someone reads it to her. peace to you.

Jackie said...

Dearest Bernie...I read the letter to Lisa, and I know in my heart that she knows how much you love her and will miss her if and when the Lord calls her home. My heart is heavy as I feel the potential loss of your dear friend. I also feel the good times and the lovely caring times that you have spent together as I read this letter. I want you to know that as her friend, you have the best one here on this earth...and she has the best one in you. Continue to tell her that you love her. She hears you my friend.
What a loving letter this is...
Love to you from Jackie

Bernie said...

Jackie, this letter was written to my friend and neighbour, her name is Jackie like yours.
Lisa is a blogging friend who is battling cancer right now. She has had her surgery and is now waiting for treatment....they both need our prayers sweetie.
Hope you are feeling better.
.......:-) Hugs

Bernie said...

Brian, thank you I do like the new look of my blog as well.
Thank you for your kind words about my friend, she is such a wonderful person......:-) Hugs

A Bit of the Blarney said...

Oh, you are such a tender, compassionate friend. God bless you in your comings and goings with your dear friend. It is my privilege to know you and know how much you are about us all!!! God be with you, Bernie!!! Cathy

Your blog is beautiful just like its owner!!!

Bernie said...

Cathy, thank you sweetie. You are a very special friend to me as well, love knowing you are praying for my friends and for me....Hugs

Anne said...

Dear Bernie,
First of all, I want to tell you that your new blog is very pretty.
I know exactly what you are going through with your friend. When I read about your friend, it reminded me of a dear friend of mine. She too came home from the hospital, like your friend. I visited her every day. It was so very hard to see her that way. Your
friend like mine knew that I was there, that in itself is so very special.
You both are in my thoughts.
Take care.

Bernie said...

Anne, thank you. I can tell you know how I am feeling right now, I only wish I could do something to help her......she is very special to me.......:-) Hugs

Diana said...

Oh Bernie you know that I will pray for your friend. She is blessed to have a friend like you and you are blessed to have her as your friend and wonderful neighbor. Good neighbors aren't always easy to find anymore sad to say.
I love your new look Bernie, I must figure out how to do this!
Love Di ♥

Bernie said...

Hi Diana, I am blessed to have wonderful friends, it just seems so many are ill right now....I'm not sure why this is happening.
I love the new look as well Di, it was just a matter of copy and paste from the site to my layout page......I will help you if I can. I couldn't of done it without Cindy though. As you know I have been trying to update it for a while now......:-) Hugs

Barry said...

A heartbreaking post, Bernie. What a difficult situation.

And what a great friend you are and what a great friend to you she was.

Bernie said...

Barry, God has blessed me with many good friends, my heart breaks when I see any of them hurting or ill......Hope you are feeling well my friend.......:-) Hugs

veterankindergartenteacher said...

Bernie,

You are one precious lady! Every time I read one of your posts, I see God shine through you. You are such a wonderful person. I will put your friend on my prayer list for sure.

Blessings!

Bernie said...

VKG.....thank you, no better gift than a prayer.......:-) Hugs

Nikki (Sarah) said...

Love your blog look and after reading this post want to tell you, you are a great friend. I'm praying too and stay strong ok. Sarah

Bernie said...

Sarah, thank you for your prayers, and for the compliment on my blog, I really like it......:-) Hugs

Wanda..... said...

Jackie must be so appreciative of you, Bernie...not just at this time of her illness, but all the past years of your friendship. I believe she, as well as all of us, feel blessed to know you.
I hope the quality of her life improves and you both can visit over coffee once more. I could hardly read your post, for thinking of the sadness you are feeling as well. Jackie could have no one better, to be with her at this time.
Love to you Bernie,
Wanda

P.S. Your blog is beautiful Bernie!
I think you found the perfect template for it.

Bernie said...

Wanda, I was going to e-mail you last night but I was really drained. I think it hit me yesterday just how ill my friend really is. She has been such a beautiful friend, so kind and caring and I hate that she is going through this right now. God willing she will get better, I can only pray for that.
So glad you like my new blog look, I love pink and Cindy made it all so easy for me.....big hugs to Alivia.......:-) Hugs

Anonymous said...

it's really hard to find great friends now, what a good friendship you have, hope she will get better...

Bernie said...

mie, we all are praying for her to get better. She is very easy to be a friend too......:-) Hugs

Donna said...

Bernie,
My heart feels for you and your friend Lisa. I know the pain you and her family are going through. I know you are such a blessing to her and her family. You are an angel here on earth :)
Love your new look for your blog.
Blessings & Hugs,
Donna

Bernie said...

Donna, I wrote this to my friend and neighbour Jackie, Lisa is my blogging friend. A few have got them mixed up but they both need our prayers.
Pink is my favorite color so I am loving the new look as well, thank you sweetie.....:-) Hugs

Cheryl said...

I will keep you both in my thoughts and prayers. How wonderful a friend you are to this woman, I am sure she finds great comfort and love in your eyes. I cannot imagine what you all are going through but there is so much love in your letter here. Please take care.

Bernie said...

Cheryl, thank you. I hope she feels my love for her, she is such a wonderful person who has been a true friend......:-) Hugs

Cindy said...

Dearest Bernie, what a surprise when I came by, I was so excited you got it going on now my friend...I knew pink was your favorite color....What a beautiful letter and your friendship, you have such a loving heart , so many times it is hard to say anything. just being there means so much I am sure. You are so kind and good and you know God is all around you in your words. Love to you Bernie, Your blog looks beautiful, but your heart is still more beautiful than your blog. I will pray for your two friends. hugs.

Bernie said...

cinner, oh I so love the new look, thank you so much for helping me get the look I wanted. You made it so easy for me.
I am having a hard time dealing with my friend's illness but it is not about me it is about her and I feel so helpless....I do love her and am praying for her all the time it seems. I am just finding that so many people I care about right now are ill...If I had one wish it would be for everyone to be healthy and happy....Thank you again sweetie......:-) Hugs

Caroline said...

Wow, what words!
Touching, caring, warm, and sincere.
I wish you strength, for each day and may God be with you both.
Leave no words unsaid.
Be kind to yourself.
and remember faith.
Caroline

Country Wings in Phoenix said...

Oh Bernie Sweetie...
I am reaching out to you, hugging you and wiping your tears away as you sit at your dear friends bedside. I know first hand how horrible and helpless this feels. To watch someone you love, look into your eyes for hope and you smile all the while trying to tell them it will all be okay.

I will be praying for your precious friend to find peace on the road that she is meant to take, and for you my sweet friend to find peace in your heart.

Please know that you are so loved, and that I cherish your friendship. You have been such a wonderful friend, it seems you pop up when I have needed you most. A little guardian angel you are.

And before I forget, I wanted you to know how beautiful your blog home is. I love it sweetie. If you wanted a little help, all you had to do was ask.

Have a beautiful Friday my dear friend. Country hugs and so much love, Sherry

Bernie said...

Caroline, thank you for your kind words, am trying to keep it all together for my friend....:-) Hugs

Bernie said...

Sherry, it is a helpless feeling isn't it.....I know you have just gone through a great loss with your niece so I know you understand. It is a helpless feeling.
Thank you for your kind words, love you and have a wonderful weekend.......:-) Hugs

Denise said...

I love your new blog look, it is lovely. I am so very sorry about your friend, I will be lifting her way up in my prayers. She is blessed to have you as a friend, and a prayer warrior. This was a heart touching post. Take care, I love you.

Bernie said...

Denise, thank you for you lovely words somehow knowing you are praying for us make this all just a little bit easier to bare.
........:-) Hugs

Maggie May said...

This is so sad but I am so pleased that your friend felt that she is in the place where she wants to be.
She sounds as though she helped you tremendously when you were recovering and I think that your letter to her is wonderful.
I always think that your blog looks great, whatever you do.

Nuts in May

Valerie said...

You are a true and loving person, Bernie, and it's a privilege to know you, even though it is only through the blogging world. Your friend reaps the reward of your friendship, as you do from her.
Yes, I too love the new look blog. It is so YOU.

Silver said...

My dearest Bernie,

I am so happy to hear from you! You are such a wonderful, sweet woman! Thank you for the warmth and love, and prayers you have sent my way. I feel it so. Thanks, Bernie!

Great Big Hugs,

Silver

God Whispers In The Wind said...

What a beautiful deep letter here. I am touched Bernie. Thank you for sharing.

Blog looks super as well.

Bernadine said...

Hi Wow another blogger with almost the same name as mine.

I like your blog. :)

Enjoy your weekend, Bernie. :)

Karen said...

Praying for your friend, for her family, and for you.

Anvilcloud said...

I do wish that the friend and family would talk it over. It's better in the long run, and even the short for that matter.

Gail said...

HI BERNIE

I cried while reading this beautiful piece about a beautiful friendship and I celebrated too all the memories and love between you and her. I felt every word. I will pray for her comfort and peace and I will pray for you too Bernie as you sit by her side.
Love to you
Gail
peace.....

wendyytb said...

I hope that your friend is feeling better soon and that she is comfortable. It must give her comfort knowing that you are sitting by her bedside.

Hugs
xo

Bernie said...

Maggie, yes my dear friend she is home where she wants to be. No one likes the thought of losing someone we love, it is a part of life which one never gets use to.
Hope you are doing well sweetie, think of you every day.
...........-:) Hugs

Bernie said...

Hi Val, isn't friendship wonderful, be it our neighbours or our blog friends I am not sure anything can replace it nor would I want it too.....hope you are well my friend.....:-) Hugs

Bernie said...

God Whispers in the Wind, it is easy to write from the heart, it is also very painful. Thank you for your visit....:-) Hugs

Bernie said...

Silver, it is wonderful to hear from you......I just know you are doing well and I am so happy for you. You have been missed....Hugs

Bernie said...

Bernadine, so many times people have used your name for me, but no I am a Bernadette and go by many other names as well....LOl
Thank you for your visit, you are welcome here anytime.....:-) Hugs

Bernie said...

Karen, thank you sweetie, all prayers are so much appreciate. Have a wonderful weekend...:-) Hugs

Bernie said...

Oh A/C the friend has tried several times to talk with the family, it just doesn't go very far but I assure you I agree 100% that we should......:-) Hugs

Bernie said...

Gail, it is all like a dream but I have given it over to God and will do all I can to support my friend and her family. All prayers are so welcomed and appreciated...:-) Hugs

Bernie said...

Wendy, I do think my friend is comfortable thank you. It is hard to know what to say or do even. I do believe love and prayer are powerful tools......:-) Hugs

Kay said...

you're a wonderful friend. and I do love the new background. sending warm wishes and blessings your way.

Wander to the Wayside said...

There's not much to add to all the other messages, just that my thoughts are with you and your friend. She is so lucky to have such a dear friend, one who will listen if she wants to talk about 'it', or still be there if she doesn't.

Bernie said...

Kay, thank you sweetie. We are all feeling better today....have a wonderful weekend......:-) Hugs

Bernie said...

Linda, I am sure you would do the same for those you love. I am doing much better today but it is such a sad situation. I will sit beside her for as long as it takes.
Have a great weekend....:-) Hugs

Melanie said...

Nevertheless...God.

Bernie said...

Melanie my dear friend, no not nevertheless sweetie.....God is first and always will be with me, my friend doesn't have the belief or Faith I do, this makes it harder for me to watch what is happening. My Faith is what helps me with all of my hospice work and gives me the strength to move forward. Love you and wishing you a peaceful and contented weekend......:-) Hugs

Abbey's Road said...

Just want you to know that I am thinking of you and appreciate the kind thoughts.

Abbey

Bernie said...

Abbey, you are the best friend. Thank you for thinking of me today, I am doing better and more at peace with everything. I have given it over to God.....:-) Hugs

Olde Dame Penniwig said...

Very sad for you and your friend. Why these things have to happen, I can't begin to know, but it's so bewildering. I do hope she will get better, sometimes folks do win out against all odds.

Renna said...

There is such beauty in the words you wrote, though filled with pain. I guess it's the beauty of a friendship. True, lasting friendships are a treasure. I'm so sorry for what your friend is experiencing, and you. I will pray for her.

Bernie said...

Ol'westerngal.....I am not sure that we will ever understand most of what happens in our lifetime, and perhaps this is best. Thank you for your prayers my friend, have a great weekend....:-) Hugs

Bernie said...

Renna, thank you for your kind words....she is such a beautiful friend. I am the one who is blessed to have her....:-) Hugs

Jackie said...

I wanted to come back Bernie...to be here with you for a little while...to hug you and let you know that you and Jackie are in my constant prayers. Love you very much...
Jackie

beth said...

your friend is being prayed for by all of us...and speaking of friends...you're the just the best !

Bernie said...

Jackie, thank you. It is comforting to know I have such a wonderful friend as you....Have a wonderful weekend, love you...Hugs

Bernie said...

Beth, she is so easy to be a friend too, she has always been there for me. Thank you. Have a great weekend....:-) Hugs

Victor S E Moubarak said...

I am praying for your friend and for you.

God bless.

Caroline said...

Dearest Bernie:
Thanks for stopping by, I own a little art gallery, the weekends are crazy fun! My better half is away working, so…
I kind of dread the whole children in the gallery…
We had major snow last week, and I am just four feet under with the paperwork I have to catch up with!
Tomorrow we have a drum circle at the gallery, Tuesday we do a Drawing circle, where a bunch of us get together and sketch away for three hours! I have a few wonderful friends that come!
I hope to finally be at ease by Wednesday!
Hope all is well, thank you again!
Wish you lived closer!
Caroline

Anonymous said...

To say this letter is amazing is doing it an injustice and totally using the wrong words. I loved what you wrote Bernie. You are amazing and anyone who knows you is truly blessed.

Bernie said...

Victor, thank you, I so love knowing you are praying for us.....:-) Hugs

Bernie said...

Caroline your art shop sounds wonderful as does your week...wishing you much joy and fun as you do all the things you love doing....:-) Hugs

Bernie said...

ED, you are a sweetheart...thank you for your beautiful words...:-) Hugs

Rebecca said...

Your letter tugs at my heartstrings. You presence at her bedside speaks volumes, too. Keep yourself strong, dear Bernie.

I really like your new look. You get so many comments, I can't imagine that you'll see this one way down here, but I'll always be reading & sending my best wishes and assurance of prayers your direction.

Bernie said...

Oh Rebecca, I always see and read your comments, I appreciate them even more my friend. This has been a sad time but the sun is shinning today, my friend is contented and I feel the breath of Spring on my face.......I know we will get more snow yet but I also know it won't stay long. Have a great weekend my friend.......:-) Hugs

Mary N. said...

Bernie, your friend is very blessed to have you. I will pray for her, it sounds as if she is suffering deeply.

Your blog looks wonderful, Bernie. I added it to Utterly Thine :) May God bless you and keep you close to Him!

Bernie said...

Mary, I don't think my friend is suffering, she seemed more alert and comfortable today. I am just taking it one day at a time and I so thank you for your prayers.
Glad you like the new blog look Mary,.........:-) Hugs

Sniffles and Smiles said...

Dearest Bernie, you know I read this earlier this week, but did not have time to write...but I am back this evening with a heavy heart...I am so sad to hear of your friend's illness...and sad for the sorrow it must bring her family and you!!! I will keep all of you in my prayers...you are a most compassionate, giving and kind person...and I'm sure that your words, love and kindness are making an enormous difference in all of their lives...On a lighter note...I LOVE your blog's new look!! Very chic!!! love you! Janine XO

Grizz………… said...

Bernie…I just want you to know you will be in my prayers, as will your friend. I hope she finds peace and comfort. I know she has found the love of a true friend in you. And no matter how things go, please know that both of you are so lucky to have found in each other such rare and wonderful friendship. It is a wonderful gift, and will endure always.

Bernie said...

Hi Janine, thank you sweetie. I am so glad you are back, you were missed. Love you.....:-) Hugs

Bernie said...

Grizz, thank you my friend. I will support her and her family for as long as it takes and let God handle the rest......:-) Hugs

Haddock said...

A person who has lost a dear one to cancer will understand the gravity and sensitivity of this.
Loved reading this.

laurie said...

oh, bernie, i am so sorry. this reminds me so much of what my cousin patti went through. she is now, as they say, with the angels. this is such a difficult time. you are in my thoughts.

Barb said...

Dear Bernie,
I'm sure you speak to your friend of your love and concern without words. She hears you and knows how you feel. Sometimes, the calm presence of a true friend is a healing balm - whether or not her illness become better, hopefully she can "feel" better at home surrounded by Family and close friends. Perhaps she'll be able to speak to you privately someday soon about her her feelings - I know you'll be available to her and that's what counts.

PS. I really like your new look Bernie - it's YOU!

Bernie said...

Haddock, yes I am sure there will be many who have gone through this very think, we just love and support all those who have and will, life can be sad for sure.
........:-) Hugs

Bernie said...

laurie, I remember reading about your cousin Patti and was so sorry for you and her family, my friend is holding her own right now and I am praying for her.......:-) Hugs

Bernie said...

Barb, I am pleased with how Jackie is doing today, she is very weak but she looks comfortable and I know she is happy with her family all around her.
Thanks Barb, with Cindy's help I was able to get the look I love and of course being pink is a bonus.....:-) Hugs

Sara Diana said...

I am thinking of your friend. Thank you so much for your kind words on my blog xx

Bernie said...

Hi Sara, thank you. Hope you are doing well my friend...:-) Hugs

Eileen said...

I'm so sorry to read about your friend and all she is going through, and so sorry for all the heartache you are going through witnessing it all.
But for all Jackie is going through, I do think she is so Blessed to have you at her side. You are a dear friend, Bernie.
I hope her family is right and that this is just a dark period in her life that will soon be behind her, and if it's denial they are going through, I pray God gives them the strength to cope when reality hits.

I love the quiet confidence of your great Faith, Bernie, and I hope Jackie and her family can find some comfort in the outpouring of the faith you live.

God Bless you, Bernie.
You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Love to you,
Eileen
PS ~ Your friend did a wonderful job with the blog tutorial, you did a great job and your blog looks beautiful and I think it compliments you perfectly.

Bernie said...

Hi Eileen, so glad you were here, I miss you.
My friend is resting comfortably and the nurse was there today to draw blood and inject medication. I am glad she has a port so they don't have to keep looking for a vein. I am praying for her and her family, it is my honor to be with her as much as I can or as much as they need me.
Yes I couldn't of changed my job without Cindy's help, I really like the look and its pink. Hugs to Jayden and Mia.......:-) Hugs

Eddie Bluelights said...

Beautifull letter Bernie - it really tugged my heart - God Bless ~ Eddie

Tranquility Speaks said...

I really love the new look Bernie :-) And I am so sorry a very dear friend has left for her heavenly abode. May God grant her family and you the strength to deal with this. God bless and loads of love

Lisa Smith said...

what a touching, beautiful tribute, Bernie. i love your new look and I am praying for you tonight =)