A2 passed away a few days back. On my dad's (RIP) birthday of 4/22/2024. She was a significant friend in my life for nearly two years, late 2007 to Fall 2009. I hope she found some genuine happiness.
One obit I first found mentioned she left us "peacefully", which to me is a euphemism for cancer or similar. She was born in 1952 and dies too early in life.
I regret that friendship had to end.
RIP Linda
Just some continuation of thought here. It's a very odd feeling to know of the passing of someone who was a great friend to you long back, that you might have fallen in love with - but the "stars didn't align", plus eventually through therapy work I learned more about the limitations for Linda's emotional make-up. Things such as, eventually having her confess that she'd been pretty well in love with me by the time we even began to see each other in any more than casual way. Just, due to past hurts and pain, could not face that feeling and speak of it... that is, until it was too late.
I can't really speak of her passing to B, as A2 had been a "love rival" that B anxiously feared I might return to for several years, despite my FIRM boundary-setting with Linda and cutting off all contact because the latter couldn't stay within those appropriate boundaries.
All said though, she was an important part of my transition from an abusive relationship and toward more healthy relationship dynamics. Just not with her, ultimately.
I hope she found some new love in her years since, some happiness with another(s). But, I note that in her obituaries there's none but direct family relatives who survive her. That makes me a little sad for her.
I also saw where she "left peacefully" which I fear means she had dreadful health issues that caused her to pass too early. No other hint though, such as encouragement to contribute memorial gifts to cancer research or heart disease or what have you.
I am amused that from the working of her primary obituary, I suspect she knew she was soon to pass away and dictated or wrote it herself.
She was quite the spirited, lovely, loving person.
I miss knowing she's still around and (hoping) having her best life... Sigh.
On the metaphysical side... which I am always reluctant to acknowledge, Linda came to my mind early this week when I had memories strike me of being on the phone as the late talk shows came on. I think mainly Jay Leno, and talking about the show / watching it "together" on the phone. Was a bit of a tradition for a short time of my life. There's a good chance that thought that floated through was related to her passing time, coming on or even nearly correspondent with.
I never thought ill of her, never regretted our involvement. Greatly value the friendship (and the benefits) though it did have to end for the sake of my committed relationship. Nonetheless, my memories are by and large warm and positive.
