In Memory Of...

Lynn Marie Delany - Sept. 29, 1949 - March 19, 2010

It has been 10 years since my friend Lynn passed from this world.  She waged an epic war with cancer, only to lose in the end.  But she lives on in the memories of her friends and family. When my Besties and I get together, we never fail to remember Lynn.  

Because Lynn knew she was dying, she gave possibly the greatest gift of all to her family and friends - she laid out, in no uncertain terms, exactly how she wanted to go out.  No sad religious services for Lynn - no, she pre-planned two "celebrations of life" one on the west coast where her sisters and mother lived and one in NYC where her friends lived and where her remains are interred.  And, in perhaps one of the most touching gesture, she made arrangements for some of her closest friends and her family to have a little part of her always.  She had a small part of her ashes baked into an exquisite piece of art glass (she collected art glass when she was alive) and arranged for them to be given to those of us who wanted them.  Some of you may find this morbid, but I take great comfort in this lovely little bit of art.  I smile whenever I look at it, taking a moment to remember my friend.

The world marches on.  Barbers, hair and nail salons and some other businesses in New Jersey are now shuttering.  There is still no toilet paper or other paper goods at the stores, but I was able to buy some chicken  today.  Going to the grocery store feels a little scary right now, as not everyone seems to be careful about maintaining distance.  And you really do think twice about what you are touching.  Between yesterday and today, the number of confirmed cases of Covid-19 almost doubled in New Jersey - no surprise as testing finally starts becoming a little more available.  There is a continuing sense of dread, though, as I think we all know this is going to get worse before it gets better.  

Stay safe, people.  And don't forget to be kind.

xo
Debbi