๐๐ซ Your spirit is now set free to soar. ๐ซ๐
Just over a week ago, my dear, sweet friend, Holly moved into hospice and on Saturday morning, August 24th, her spirit was set free to soar. ๏ฟผ
I will treasure our stampede party this year because it was one of the last times I saw Holly truly happy and having fun. As the days went by, I could see her struggling more with each visit, but even in those moments, her spirit remained undiminished. She faced her journey with courage, knowing her time on earth was limited, but refusing to let it take away her joy. Holly lived her life to the fullest, right to the very end, embracing each moment with grace and determination. โจ๏ฟผ๏ฟผ
The living wake held for her on August 12th was a beautiful testament to the love and admiration so many had for her. Although I was in Ontario and couldn't attend, I felt her spirit through the stories and photos shared by those who were there. Seeing her in that sparkly dress, surrounded by a hundred friends and family members, was a poignant reminder of the light she brought into this world. Holly always loved being around people, and I’m so glad she was able to experience that final outpouring of love and support.
A few days before I left for Ontario, I was blessed to have one last bittersweet visit with Holly. As I sat with her, I felt in my heart that it would be the final time we would be together in this life. Our conversation was filled with the deep understanding that only old friends share, a mixture of sadness and gratitude for the time we had been given. a couple days before she passed, I received a call from her best friend, Leanna. Knowing that I couldn't attend the party, Leanna asked if I wanted to say a few words while she put the phone on speaker. Holly wasn’t able to communicate at that point, but I still had the chance to say “I love you” one last time. Leanna's thoughtfulness in that moment meant the world to me ๐๐ป
๐ฉ๐ผโ๏ธ ๐ฉ๐ผโ๏ธ Holly and I met in September 1985 as we set up in Nursing School residence and became “next-door neighbours” for the following three years. She was from small town Alberta, only 17 yrs old and “fresh off the turnip cart”, as she liked to joke. I was a more “mature” 21-year-old LOL and had lived in the big city. She liked to call me her big sister. And being the youngest in my family I loved having that honourary role.
Over the decades, our friendship has been that type that the passing of time seems to make no difference on picking up where we last left off. We would immediately launch into talking about our families, what we were currently up to, reminiscing about the crazy times we had in Nursing School, dive into planning an upcoming reunion, or whimsically talk about our future dreams. ๏ฟผ
In the past few years, Holly became quite involved with Fab@50, and I’m incredibly grateful for the time we spent together at events and on our FabSOUL Circle calls. These moments allowed us to reconnect on a deeper level, sharing our thoughts, hopes, and dreams in a way that brought us even closer.
Her beautiful presence will be deeply missed by all who knew her, but let's take comfort in knowing that her spirit will continue to grace us, bringing smiles to our hearts whenever we think of her.๏ฟผ
๐ My thoughts and prayers ๐๐ป are with Holly's family and closest friends during this difficult time. I hope their hearts find solace in the beautiful memories they shared with this kind, incredible, inquisitive, and fiercely determined woman.
Holly, my dear friend, you will be deeply missed, but your spirit will continue to soar, and your memory will forever remain in our hearts.
Cheers ๐ฅ, until we meet again. ๐
Photos: graduation June 1988 / stampede party July 2024
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