This week I am,along with many other, will be saying goodbye to a dear friend- Eleanor Peters. Ellie and I had a special relationship- she hovered in that non descript- she’s not my family, technically, but she may as well be kind of area in my life.
I first met Ellie when I was in fifth grade and became close friends with one of my dearest friends to this day, Bethany. I would go over to Bethany’s house every day after school for pretty much all of fifth and sixth grade. And every day, Auntie Ellie would be sitting at the kitchen table to greet us as we came home. She’d ask us about our day, and laugh at our stories with us.
She was the best. She showed a genuine interest in all things that we were involved in, and remembered every little detail. She loved me like I was her own, and treated me with so much love all throughout my life. I am a much more rich person for that, and I will never ever forget it.
Ellie was a big dreamer, and she just KNEW that I would be successful someday. I had to work for all that I had, all of my life, and Ellie was always there to support me at every turn. One summer when I got an editing internship at the Associated Press in New York City, Ellie came through in a big way. I had NO clothes to go to work in, and so Ellie let me raid her stash so that I could look somewhat professional since I was a starving college kid.
Ellie attended every art opening of mine, and was always whispering in my ear- “I know you are gonna be famous someday!!!” She was always so generous with her praise and her very strong belief in my work and all that I stood for.
With Ellie, I knew I was loved.
And so comes my busy season, and my success that I have been working so hard to achieve. Ellie gets diagnosed and has not very long to live. Things always come up, and I don’t get over to see her. Until last week, when sobbing, I tell Bethany how sorry I am for being too busy to visit, too busy to make time to see one of my favorite people. Bethany urges me to go see her then, and I do.
I get that second chance in life that many of us never get. I get to whisper to Ellie how important she was to me in my life, and how much I appreciated it. How much I love her, and could she please say hi to my Mom when she gets to heaven. She says, “I promise.”
To you Ellie, I promise this: I promise to live my life to its fullest, to laugh as hard and as often as I can, and to let everyone in my life know how important they are to me. Thank you so much for all of your love and positive energy in my life, you will be sorely missed.
Sorry for your loss Carla..
-Rick
Carla, Ellie sounds like an incredible woman. I am so sorry for your loss.
Carla, I am so sorry you had to say goodbye. I am so glad you got that second chance. I am not going to lie, I have HUGE crocodile tears rolling down my face. Thanks for the reminder.
~Big Hugs~
Val
So sorry you are hurting Car. What a gift she was in your life..you’ve already kept your promise to her – you live more fully than 3 people….
Another tear jerker Carla. It’s always hard to lose someone we love. You and Ellie will be in my thoughts. Thanks for being so candid and genuine as usual 🙂 Hang in there sister!
carla i am so sorry for your loss. Ellie sounds like an amazing person.
Your words are kind enough to make those who did not know Ellie jealous of those who did. While your story is beautiful, the real magic is that there are many who found a special place in Ellie’s heart and are better people for it.
I recently realized that in the 20+ years that I knew her, every time we saw each other we laughed. Unlike you I never told her and I will always regret it.
Thank you for sharing your story.
Oh, Carla. I am so sorry for your loss and your hurting. I am so glad you were able to see Ellie and tell her how much you loved her…And thank you for this very important reminder to us all…Love, E.
beautiful carla.
some things we will NEVER understand. thank you for always keeping us grounded.
beautiful carla.