Thursday, November 14, 2019
I only lived in Simi Valley for a few years, but was lucky enough to have Joan as my neighbor, friend and boss as well. While I was there, she became an integral part of my life. Her and her family made those years some of the best and most memorable of my life. Her door and her heart were always open. I learned so much from her except how to do everything so seamlessly.
She always made me feel like I was part of her family and being 3000 miles from my own, that was a blessing in itself.
Unable to return for the past 25 years, we've kept in touch and I've missed her and dreamt of going back ever since. Hoping it would be like the "good ole days ", I always thought that would be my home when my parents passed and I retired.
My heart is broken now that I know that time will never come.
We've shared stories, cards, jokes, emoji's and pictures of our lives over the years. She even made me a special plaque, when I bot a little bungalow, to christen it. It reads, "Barb's Beach House, est. 2009". It hangs on my porch and warms my now home. I've thought of her and smiled every time I've walked in for 10 yrs.
Now, my heart hurts when I walk in and know I can't check in or tell her again how lovely and thoughtful it was of her. But I know her spirit is there and it will give me joy and something to hold on to knowing I was special enough for her to take time out of her busy day to create a gift of love for me.
Because of that and a million other reasons, she will remain in my heart and be a piece of the quilt that helped to shape my life and leave memories that I can visit until we meet again.
Soar with heavens angels Joan, as you have earned your wings many times over.
I hope our souls will meet again in the next life.
With love, as always, Barb xo
