Treasured Friend

March 2009
For over 40 years I saw Sylvia every week. I was 18-years-old when this long relationship began. Little did we know then that we would be together – for all these years - on a journey of ups, downs, losses, gains, happiness, sadness - balanced with the surprises that life hands us. We were ever practical with a spoonful of humor to get us through it all. The anchor was our weekly Friday appointment.
Sometimes I would be the one holding her up as she was reeling from some event that life handed her. More often she held me up and gave me a dose of her wisdom as I maneuvered through the transitions in my life. Realities were acknowledged, sorrows accepted and the promise of a new day was given.
That I was the one behind the chair coloring, curling and cutting her hair was incidental. We were trusted friends in the ongoing soap opera of life. A weekly update, an inventory of who is doing what, a running political and fashion commentary, a rundown of our various family events - our conversations never really ended, they just reconvened the next week. When Sylvia found she had to stop driving, we shifted her appointment time so I could chauffer her. I simply couldn’t let her go. A relationship of that length and value can’t be severed by simple inconvenience.
Just after she turned 91 years, s stroke and the life changes that followed signaled an end to our time together. The loss is great, the grief is raw, but the memories are beautiful. I feel very blessed for the years we spent together.
Farewell to my friend Sylvia. Your wit and wisdom will always guide me. Your smile remains etched in my memory and I will forever hold you in my heart.