Thursday, August 03, 2006

In memory of a collegue

Just got the email from a friend in Chicago. Her business partner, Sandy, died last night at 7PM from breast cancer. We were all Aussie Specialist travel agents and Sandy was born & raised in Melbourne. We had history - we were friends, then not friends (she could be prickly) but after I move out here, we began to find our way back to being friends. We truly enjoyed each other!

My friend Sunnie, Sandy's business partner, is a real dear - her name fits her - and she's devastated. I called her immediately, and we just cried together on the phone. We're traveling together over a huge chunk of our upcoming Australia trip - so there will be a few tears shed.

The three of us, Sandy, Sunnie and I, shared a Qantas Airways Sales Rep when I was in Chicago - Laura Lee Morobito was our Rep until she moved to Boston. I'd moved to Los Angeles in April 2001; on Sept. 11, 2001, I had to call Sunnie and Sandy to tell them that Laura had been confirmed on the American Airlines flight 11 that flew into the first of the World Trade Center towers.

Sandy will be missed.

14 comments:

Kim Tyler said...

So sorry to hear of the loss of this friend. I hope that you are extra sweet to yourself in the days ahead, and are surrounded by loving support.

Anonymous said...

God, Diva,

This has been the worst month for tragedies that have befallen the people you love and for seeing Israel breakdown. You're heart never has time to heal before the next thing happens. You are going to need a lot to keep you strong, so please know your friends are thinking about you. I am so, so, sorry.

TFLS said...

Damn, honey - I am so sorry. Why is it tragedy always piles itself on? One bad thing almost always turns into two or three. Makes it harder to abide. And I didn't know you lost a friend on 9/11. How terrible. But writing helps - it helps. You share it with us and we wrap our thoughts around you in comfort. I wish it could be more.

billie said...

much tragedy in a short time. i am sorry for your losses. good people are sorely missed.

DivaJood said...

Thanks, everybody. This has been a hard day. Left work early to go over to my friend who'd been in the car accident six weeks ago - she's got a walker now, and will be able to drive next week (except she doesn't have a replacement car yet.) We decided that the good thing about having friends is that you have friends. The bad thing about having friends is loss.

Will be out of town for the weekend, leaving after work on Friday, to spend the weekend with one of my favorite cousins (and there are several favorites.)

Anyway, I truly appreciate your support and virtual hugs. I think I'd rather have all the people in my life and risk the sadness than live a life in isolation. I consider myself to be wealthy in that respect.

Anonymous said...

Diva, i agree with your philosophy and i hope you have a real enjoyable visit with your cousin.

sumo said...

TFLS said it eloquently...I second her words. Peace and enjoy your time with the cousins. We'll be here when you come back.

robin andrea said...

(0)
A stone for your friend. I am so sorry for your loss.

Pete said...

Thats very sad Jood.

Pete

Sue said...

I'm witha sista

Crabbi said...

Dear Jood,

I am so sorry to har about your friend.

oldwhitelady said...

I'm sorry to read about the loss of your friend. It's difficult having to say goodbye to someone you've known so well.

DivaJood said...

So, my Ya-Yas (aka The Divas) have decided we'd make a group contribution in Sandy's memory to the Susan Korman Breast Cancer Foundation. It feels right. Then privately, I will make a donation to the Humane Society, because she was always doing things for them. She loved all animals, cats in particular.

Thank you all for your kindness!

Unknown said...

I'm so sorry for all your losses. I'm sure she saved many lil' animal lives during her lifetime. How nice of you to do likewise in her name.