We travel paths through our life journey that will lead us to people who become our friends and  no matter what trials we go through along the way, we must keep in mind that we all need each other and ultimately friendship becomes the wine of life.....

Sad Trails

My footprints tomorrow will leave a trail to a funeral home in Brampton for the visitation of a dear friend about whom I had written a story, on this blog, earlier in December, called Heartfelt Emotion. Rosemary died a ‘peaceful’ death yesterday morning, after a courageous struggle to live, surrounded by her significant other, Neill, and 2 of her children, Julie and Joe. For this we can be thankful. Her life had been filled with much turmoil but her death granted her a peaceful, quiet release from her 8 week existence in the ICU department of The Credit Valley Hospital.

This path in my journey is not an easy one - Rosemary and I have been friends for over 10 years and have shared a lot of life’s moments, both good and bad. Many of our life experiences were quite similar - many weren’t - but no matter the situation, we have been able to be there to support each other in our own unique way. We have shared tears of joy and sorrow, and her humor often worked it’s magic to help us through our trials.

Rosemary was a good and tireless mother, always concerned for the well-being of her children - in fact she had just recently returned from China after a visit with her son Stephen who lives and works there - and, although sick, she was able to return home knowing that she had spent time with her grandchildren. Rosemary was kind, and giving and always shared what she could with others. She was an amazing cook and we shared many wonderful hours together giving each other advice - solving our problems and those of the world - over rich, Italian food.  She was a blossoming artist and had taught herself to paint canvasses, producing pictures, and pictures, and pictures of scenes of beauty, and all who knew her have one or more paintings that now have become keepsakes of her special talent.

Rosemary met Neill, her significant other and best friend, several years ago, and with him she  received the gift of true love. He was devoted to her, completely supportive of her, and she loved him with all of her heart. I am so thankful that they ‘found‘ each other and had the privilege of sharing their lives for the the little time that was given to them. 

Rosemary has left her mark on all with whom she has crossed paths - she was a complete ‘world’ - and though losing her is painful, she will never really be gone,  as she will stay in our hearts and will linger on in our memories forever.