Here is a great picture of my friend Anne. This picture was taken in January, on a replica of the Nina. She was so excited that Steve and I took her to see it.
Anne was a godsend to me, when we moved here. I felt so lost and alone. I was so very glad to have Steve home every night, but, oh how I missed my kids, grandkids, and wonderful friends. Anne White was assigned as my visiting teacher and she took me under her wings. She drove me all over. We rode in her bright yellow Prius named Daisy (often with her dogs, Mr. Sam and Sweetie Lea, in the back seat). She showed me the back way to church. She took me out to lots of restaurants and great stores. She brought me her newspapers after she had read them - and did the jumble on a seperate sheet of paper, because she knew I like to do it too. She got me hooked on diet lemonade from Chick Filet. She introduced me to Judy and Mary. She talked me into becoming a substitute teacher, and we taught together at the High School and the Elementary School. She helped me to look forward to each new day. We shared books with one another, talked politics, and laughed at ourselves until we cried. She called me often, sent me cards and notes, and she made sure, that I KNEW that she LOVED ME.
Anne died, unexpectedly, on Easter evening. Her death has been a real loss for me, BUT I am so glad that I had her in my life. She taught me, by her example, what a true friend is. I no longer want to take for granted all the special people in my life. I want to cherish every moment that I get to spend with family and friends. I want to make more of an effort to stay in contact with all those whom I love and care for. I want to try to become a positive example to others, as Anne was to me.
To all of those who are reading this - know that you are in my thoughts, my prayers and my heart.
