"For what is it to die, but to stand naked in the wind and to melt into the sun…." --Kahlil Gibran
Regular readers of my blog will recognize her name: my friend Renee Khan, who fought Inflammatory Breast Cancer for 4 years, has passed away. Her family posted her obituary (and her last words) on her blog, Circling My Head. I can't express how much I love this woman, a woman whom I never met in person, but who touched my heart and thousands more with her humor and compassion. I miss her and can only imagine how much her family misses her.
One thing Renee was excellent at was making you feel like the most interesting writer and friend on the planet. She read and commented here faithfully, remembering all sorts of details about the kids, even sending them books...Mr. Happy for Isaac and Little Miss Stubborn for Emi. But get this: she didn't just do this for me. She was this active a friend to hundreds of people. Here is just a tiny sampling of the daily notes she wrote to me:
You must know that I think you are exactly perfect. You are my total cup of tea. Love Renee xoxoxDear friend, yes to being better when people are alone or afraid. Especially you, who are so full of life and such a pleasure to know. Love Renee xoxo
Julie this is what happens when you know who you are. You don't let people change your children. xoxoxo
Julie, you don't know how much I wish you lived next door to me. I don't see why your best friend couldn't be a 53 year old woman who is totally crazy about you and your family and thinks you are the funniest person in the world. Love Renee xoxo
I will obey her commands :) and will be looking for pieces of her around me. Come find me, Renee! I love you.
Elegy ("So, Sister" by The Verve):
I wrote your name in dust on a truck
As it rolled out of town
Just in case my love for you might be found
I cried my tears in a mountain stream
They'll sting you one day
I called your name in a giant cave
It echoes to this day
So sister, you're hearing how I miss her
But I don't think that she's hearing my calls
So sister, you're hearing how I miss her
But I don't think that she's hearing my calls
No I don't think that I'm helping my cause
I wrote our names on a subway wall
Just in case you call
I rent a room and its just for two
But where are you?
