Writing 101, Day Four: The Serial Killer

“Write about a loss: something (or someone) that was part of your life, and isn’t there any more.”

I lost Rose, my:

• best friend forever (BFF),
• next-door neighbor,
• sounding board,
• book club sister
• cancer sister

For the first five years, she was the next door neighbor that I never saw.  Occasionally, I would see her husband working in the yard.  But, like me, at the end of a work day, Rose found comfort within the walls of her home.

We finally met when a local women’s service club extended an invitation for me to join.  After attending three or four meetings, I submitted a membership application.

Rose, the Financial Secretary, processed new applications and noted we were neighbors.  Introductions followed, a friendship developed; and, I gratefully received the gift of a life-long friend.

Over the years, our friendship grew stronger and stronger.

Our husbands became friends.

Occasionally, we went on couple vacations.

Shortly, after we became friends Rose and I formed a book club along with three other women.  We were five Seasoned Sistahs joined together because of our age, ethnicity, and love for reading books by African-American wordsmiths.

Rose was by my side in 2008, when I was diagnosed with breast cancer.

She was there when I was stricken with a life-threatening illness in 2010.

Shortly after I retired and moved to Florida, Rose was diagnosed with cancer.  She was computer challenged and didn’t use Facebook, e-mail, text, or Skype; but, our friendship remained strong with long telephone conversations and snail mail.

A little later, Seasoned Sistahs Book Club dismantled.

Fifteen years after meeting, December 2013 cancer won the battle; and, I lost Rose.

Last week, Hubby and I returned to our home in Wisconsin.  As we drove into our cul-de-sac, we saw Rose’s husband working in the yard.  The two of us hugged and the tears flowed.  Finally, I accepted and realized that Rose is no longer next door.

Rose and I were blessed to have a long-time friendship where we nourished, loved, supported, valued and appreciated each other.

As Oprah says, “This I know for sure”:  As I grow older, my circle of girlfriends grows smaller.

Reconnecting with those girlfriends that I have disconnected from is one of my top priorities.

Author: SeasonedSistah2

During this final season life, I am going on a journey to define "ME." Opening up and going outside of my comfort zone to redefine ME.. Exploring and pursuing new interests that will lead to personal happiness, serenity, and tranquility. In undertaking this mission, overcoming the FEAR is my greatest challenge. Fear has played a large role in my life, but I overcame the FEAR of breast cancer, chronic pain associated with Rheumatoid Arthritis and Fibromyalgia, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, and Sleep Apnea. My new mantra: FEAR has two meanings: "(1) Forget Everything And Run, or (2) Face Everything and Rise. The Choice is Mine." Blogging here I come ready or not!!! View all posts by SeasonedSistah2