Monday, March 23, 2015

A Beautiful Life


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This morning I received the news that my good friend Bren passed away, after a long battle with cancer. Instead of going on and on about what a wonderful person she was, and all the reasons I loved her, I want to tell just one simple story.

The first time I went to stay with Bren in Maine, for a couple of days, right after a workshop I taught in the area, we decided to have dinner at a restaurant in Belfast (an hour away). We piled into her car, and got about 20 minutes down the road, chatting non-stop. Suddenly she turned beet red and stopped talking. I said, "What is it?" She said, "I'm so embarrassed. You're never going to believe this, but I forgot my shoes!"

We laughed so, so hard! I told her I was so glad someone else did stupid things and it wasn't just me. We turned around and headed back to her house, assuming the restaurant wouldn't let us in without shoes. When we got back, her daughter came out of the house with Bren's purse in hand. Apparently she'd forgotten that too!

After that we always joked with each other - "Did you remember your shoes today?," texting pictures of our feet back and forth from Maine to Oregon. And that is just one of the memories of her that I will cherish for the rest of my days. I love you Bren.

22 comments:

Mary Anne Cary said...

Her spirit soars among us, her brightness shines around us and her art brightens many lives. Peace to Brenda, and condolences to family and friends. You were a great friend and support, I hope your wonderful memories carry through this difficult time......

Marla K said...

I am so sorry to hear this news. I own several of Brenda's paintings, and got to know her a bit. She was such a magnificent spirit, and I am so fortunate and truly privileged to have been touched by her. My heart goes out to you.

Susan Liles said...

So sorry to hear of the loss of a great friend; her memories will always put a smile on your face I'm sure. Love the painting you posted for this!

Anne Wood said...

A lovely story, and a beautiful friendship. Thank you Carol for sharing your memories with us. I shall be thinking of you today. With love, Anne.

Caroline Greene said...

it looks and sounds like a friendship full of love and laughter. Thinking of you, Carol x

Cathy Engberg said...

My heart just sank when I read your post. I am so sorry for your loss, and everyone's loss. She was a wonderful artist. I loved your story about her. Wishing you and her family peace during this hard time.

Linda Roth said...

So sorry for your loss. Chemo does a job on the memory too., but with good friends it's a good laugh. You were a blessing.

I need orange said...

I am so sorry for your loss. The world is a better place because she was here.

Marcela Strasdas said...

I am so sorry Carol, I thought she a bit more time. Thank you for posting her paintings all this time, I really enjoyed receiving them regularly. My thoughts and prayers are with you, Bren and her family.

Carol Jessen said...

Carol, I'm so very sorry that you have lost your friend Bren. But in a sense you will never lose her. Memories will come back in the smallest moments and keep her alive in your heart. Thinking you, Carol Jessen, Boothbay Harbor Maine and St. Louis.

Jennifer Newcomb Marine said...

I'm so sorry. I know how much you loved her -- and she you! And I'm glad I got to know Bren even just a little bit during one of her visits to your house. A lovely, bubbly warm presence. Big hugs...

Sandy said...

You and Bren had such a special friendship. So sorry for your loss Carol.

Bruce Bingham said...

Carol,

I have been thinking of you often lately because I know you were very close with Bren. I wanted to tell you how sorry I am for your loss, but know that your memories of her will live on forever. She was a delight to everyone she touched with her colorful personality and joy filled art. In honor of Bren, I promise to tell you straight up the next time you have a bad haircut- like you told me she said to you once upon a time. Big hugs to you and all that loved her so much. My heart goes out to you.

Clu said...

What a beautiful tribute to your friend, Carol!

It is the seemingly small events like you described that really capture the essence of a deep friendship, isn’t it? Loved the story and can tell you two obviously had many many great times together.

Wishing you and her family peace and strength.

Anonymous said...

This touched my heart..Iam so sorry you lost your beautiful friend.

I have followed your art daily for a long time..Bless you

lynn

Melle Ferre said...

My sympathy in this loss. It's never easy to say goodbye. I'm glad you were able to share this. My husband died at this time 8 years ago. I can still hear his voice so clearly, but I haven't been able to do the paintings that might help. Maybe I can try that now. Thanks again for sharing.

Barbara Pask said...

I love your wonderful fresh painting and I am so sorry about the loss of your friend.

piadesign said...

Carol,
I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. Of course, you have many great memories of your dear friend and these will pop up when you least expect them--months and years from now. I lost so many friends to AIDS in NYC in the 80's and 90's that when one of these memories flies into my head, I just feel like that person is checking in to say 'hey' and it makes me smile. You and your friend are in my thoughts and prayers.

Carol Marine said...

Thank you all so much for your kind comments!

Kathleen Owings said...

You "painted" a picture for us of a wonderful woman who graced the world and the live's of those lucky enough to count her as friend. My heartfelt condolences to you, Carol.

Debbie said...

Oh Carol, I am very sorry to hear about the loss of your friend. What a beautiful friendship you had---thanks for sharing your endearing story. May fond memories of Bren, bring you comfort. Your painting is so beautiful --I am sure Bren loves it!

Kelley Carey MacDonald said...

She had a short life here on earth, but made a big impact. In the hearts of those she touched, she will always live. Carol, I'm so sorry, and just want to reach out and give you a hug. Your love made a difference in her life, you can be sure of that. xoxoxox