Good-bye, dear friend

Hubby and I went to Saturday night mass this weekend at the little church I especially love.  

I like to make a special point to go this particular weekend 

between Christmas and New Year's 

to see their beautiful manger.  

While there we received the shocking and very unexpected news of a dear friend's death.  

Come to find out, our sweet Mary Ann had a heart attack 

and died, peacefully, in her sleep the day after Christmas.  

She 

and her always-warm welcome, 

ready smile, 

hearty laugh,

and big, heart-felt hugs 

will be sorely missed by me

and so many others.

I love you, dear friend, 

and wish you a fond farewell.

(I still can't believe I'm saying this)

May God bless you

and your aching family.

.     *     .