This morning I woke to a beep from my cell phone.  It was a message from my friend’s daughter, Jessica.  My friend, Audrey, passed away at 1:15 am.  I held the cell phone and just stared at the message.  Tears fell from my eyes, and my heart hurt.  My first thought was I should have visited her, why did I wait.  Audrey was my first friend.

Audrey and I met at Holy Family School in Fairfield, CT.  We were both 8 years old, and the connection was immediate.  We made each other laugh, and that is the best kind of friendship.  Growing up together, Audrey was always a wealth of information about any subject, especially boys.  I was thrilled when I met her fiancé, Wayne. I knew they would be lifelong partners.  We were each other’s bridesmaids.  I remember she called me from the hospital when her first daughter, Jessica, was born.   

Audrey was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis as a young woman.  Her husband was by her side throughout their marriage.  It is a comfort to all who knew Audrey that she was so loved by Wayne.  As a caregiver and a husband, it is love that gives each partner strength.  Audrey and Wayne, I think of you both with love. Audrey, I will miss you forever.  

Love, Brenda