a friend worth remembering.

I hit a dubious milestone this week, and it hurt.

I lost my first close friend to breast cancer.

Her name was Irmtraud, a German name which translates into "whole strength."

Wow. No coincidence there.

Here's what she was ...

Dear friend.

Generous soul.

German sister.

Passionate gardener.

Animal lover.

Life lover.

Dancer.

Fierce spirit.

Independent.

Inspiration.

Believer.

Warrior.

Hope-inducer.

And so much more.

Thank you, my friend, for letting me join you

along the final section of your journey.

For letting me be there for you.

For seeing me as the person I hope to be,

even though I often can't see it myself.

Love & miss you. So much.

image source: the sugar monster