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Tuesday, October 11, 2016

Friendship and Loss

We lost a very special friend on the VA eastern shore this weekend. Many have undoubtedly felt similar losses. Good friends are like family members, except they're the ones you got to choose. That's how we felt about Marty and her husband, Robert.

Marty, passed away Sunday night within a week of being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. She called to give us the diagnosis, concerned how we would take the new that she had been given 6 weeks (or less) to live — a short time that was sadly far shorter.

After that call, we considered returning to VA, a 12-hour drive from NH. But, we had a family wedding in NYC this past weekend for which all arrangements had been made. When we told Marty that we considered cancelling those plans to visit, she insisted that we go, have a good great time and tell her all about it. Family was everything to her and always came first. She raised 7 children on her own after the death of her first husband.

Marty started painting 10 years ago after moving to the VA eastern shore from NC and soon became an accomplished artist. She exhibited in local shows and that's how we all met. (Grenville and I were also exhibitors.) Robert was always there to help out too.
Here's some of her art: Autumn Light and Inlet at Assateague.


This Burton Shores watercolor hangs in our apt. It was treasured when received, and even more special now. 




We socialized with Marty and Robert often and she didn't dwell on the fact that she was dealing with increasing health issues in recent years. Marty wanted to know what everyone else was doing. She was caring, cheerful and always positive. While our get-togethers were less often after our move, we kept in contact between trips back to VA.

If anyone could have beaten the odds, we felt it would be Marty. During our last phone chat, she told us she didn't fear death, but leaving friends and family. 

Friendship is a priceless gift. Loyal friends listen to your sad tales or share your good news. They care because they want to, not because they have to. We cherish close friends as we do our family. When they're gone, we mourn the loss of that special bond.

Our friend is gone, but not her memories; they are ALL great — Smile. She always did.



11 comments:

Anvilcloud said...

That is such a short time, but just maybe that's for the best. She sounds like a fantastic person, and I am sure that you and others will miss her greatly. All the best.

MadSnapper said...

sorry for your loss and for her husbands loss to. she had great talent in painting and a wonderful smile...

Anonymous said...

My deepest sympathy. Marty did have a beautiful and genuine smile. I know her friends and her husband are grieving. God bless you all.

Connie said...

I'm so sorry for your loss. She sounds like she was a very special friend. Her artwork is lovely.

Lynn said...

What a lovely tribute to Marty! It's so hard to lose people you love - my sympathy.

Her artwork was amazing! So glad you have that beautiful piece.

Emma Springfield said...

My condolences to everyone who cared about your friend. She sounds like a good person to know. Her paintings are magnificent. They will help keep her memory vibrant and alive.

William Kendall said...

I am sorry for the loss of your friend. She had a real gift- many, from what you've said.

possum said...

Yes, Marty will truly be missed.
Those of us who got to know Bob and Marty have been blessed indeed.
She was quite a woman.

Anonymous said...

Oh, that is so sad. Please accept my condolences. Her art work is very beautiful.

Anonymous said...

My deepest condolences to both of you. As you said, if she always smiled, then you must continue to do so too...:)JP

Eggs In My Pocket said...

I am so sorry for your loss of your dear friend. Hugs to you!