Sunday, September 19, 2010

Another Angel Is In Heaven

My friend Claudette, a fellow cancer fighter passed away late Friday evening.

I met Claudette about a year ago at a cancer support group. The class was about to begin when I said, I’m going to get a coffee before we get started and this lady jumped up and said I’m going to get one too. It didn’t take long before we got to know each other quit well. Claudette was a wonderful, outgoing lady in her early 60’s, who 6 months earlier been diagnosed with stage 4 bile duct cancer and that chemotherapy and radiation were not an option.

With our love of a good cup of coffee, it didn’t take long before we started meeting weekly at the local Second Cup. We felt really comfortable with each and chatted about everything … nothing was off limits.

Claudette was an amazing cook and one of the things she wanted to do before she died was to collect all her recipes and compile a recipe book that she could pass on to her children. I remember her bringing a laptop to coffee and we had a look at her first draft. She had about 150 recipes all grouped by category. She had gone to the internet and found pictures to go with each one. It was quite the accomplishment. She was so proud and when the final version came back from the printer, she was just beaming. 

As Claudette became weaker, I started visiting her at home. I fondly remember sitting with her in her beautiful back yard overlooking the ravine. It was always picture perfect with blooming flowers, birds flying in and out of the bird bath and the calming sounds of a water fountain. Her backyard was even featured in a popular magazine. 

These last four months have been difficult for Claudette; as her tumors grew, she had to go in for more and more procedures. Thankfully that is all over now and she will not suffer any more.

Rest in peace my coffee buddy.

8 comments:

Merida Grace said...

Daria, I am so very sorry. It breaks my heart every time I hear of another cacner fighter moving on. I will keep her family, and you my friens in both thoughts and prayers.

Ann said...

Daria, I'm so sorry.

Whidbey Woman said...

Daria, You will miss your dear coffee buddy. I am so sorry that cancer has to take so many people we love away from us. My prayer is some day there will be a cure for every type and stage of cancer.
Peace.

Kim said...

Daria,
I too am so sorry...my prayers to you!

Bernie said...

So sorry to hear of Claudette's passing....I know each time you loose a friend Daria how much it hurts. Please be strong and know that your friend is now at peace....Hugs

Lynn said...

Hugs to you Daria! So sorry to hear about your friend passing away.

Marlene said...

A beautiful tribute to your good friend Daria - I raise my coffee cup to Claudette this morning... and to you. Living within the cancer community full of sadness but also coupled with 'gladness' of each friendship.

Take good care of your heart.

Marlene

Julie Goodale said...

Sorry for the loss of your friend. Lovely tribute.