I’ve been away from the blog because I lost a dear friend I’ve known nearly my whole life, with no warning. She was healthy, and too young to die. I am still processing what happened and it’s been nearly three weeks now. What a reminder of the brevity of life.
I flew back to the Midwest to say goodbye, and thank heaven she was still alive when I got there. My friend wasn’t conscious, but I just wanted her to know I was there. She died the following day.
After so many years in Southern California, I wasn’t really prepared for a snowfall in October. This is how it looked the afternoon before I left:
It quickly progressed to this:
My flight home connected through Salt Lake City and we flew right over the Great Salt Lake….
And then the city itself, which I hadn’t seen since I was around ten years old.
Before all this happened, I went to Las Vegas with my son and his girlfriend for a Lantern Festival in the Mohave Desert. I’ll share those photos next time.
Carpe diem, everyone….
{carole}
Pearls & Prose 
It’s hard enough to say goodbye to loved ones whose death is expected, either from old age or from incurable illness, but when a loved one’s death blindsides you it’s like a physical blow as well. I hope your lifelong cache of precious memories helps ease that heartache.
Thanks so much, Susan. I do have a lot of good memories.
Hi Carole,
I’m sorry to hear of your loss. Hugs.
Jennie, thank you.
I am so sorry, dear Carole! Loosing people whom you love and care for is so difficult. Sending you some warm hugs! Yes, life is too short, we should grab every minute!
So true! Thank you, Ann.
I’m sorry for your loss, Carole. I hope you find comfort and solace in your memory of your dear friend.
Thanks, Jackie. The memories do help, for sure.
God bless . . .
Thank you!
it is so very hard to loose a dear old friend, yet I am sure that all the wonderful memories together will remain in your heart.
Thanks, Cornelia. She will always be in my heart.
I am so sorry.
Thank you so much.
It really knocks the stuffing out of you doesn’t it. Take care, give yourself time to heal and let your camera help you through.
It really does. Thank you.
I only just saw this. I’m very sorry. It’s sad. It can go so quickly.
I hope you’re not in danger of the fire that’s raging in California. I checked the map and think you’re not close. I hope I’m right.
Thank you, Caroline. No, we’re not close this time, thankfully, but we’ve seen smoke. So heartbreaking to watch the news these days.