My beloved friend and across the street neighbor died in the early hours of Sunday morning. It was expected as she battled terminal cancer for 21 years. I was was one of the 6 woman pall bearers, Mamie’s choice. Girlfriend pall bearers was definitely “ a spunky Mamie thing”. After the funeral and burial, I hosted all family and friends here at my home. My gift to Mamie, her sweet husband, and their family. This was one less worry for the family and it filled my heart with joy to do so. This is the arrangement I put together that sat on my dining table with my food this Tuesday as we remembered our dear Mamie.
Mamie’s life story is incredible. She was a championship golfer, a fierce and successful business woman, and a fighter. She never gave up, ever! She taught me so much.
Mamie refused to evacuate prior to Katrina, even though we begged them to come with us. Mamie wouldn’t leave her daughter and granddaughter that live around the corner. Mamie’s daughter is paralyzed from the waist down. This happened many years ago, in a large city in Louisiana. Mamie’s daughter,at the age of 16, was shot by an intruder breaking into their home. Years of surgeries and worries filled Mamie’s life over her daughter’s health.
The morning of Katrina, Mamie and her husband tried to swim down the street to get to daughter’s house. Mamie & hubby had to be rescued by other neighbors when the rushing tidal surge swept them away. Meanwhile daughter, granddaughter and a few other neighbors climbed into daughter's attic and prayed the water wouldn’t come any higher. How they managed to hoist Mamie’s daughter into the attic is a feat we all marvel at still today. They all survived.
In the 3 year aftermath of Katrina, Mamie and I sought and found comfort in each other’s arms. It was the comfort and understanding that bonds women friends together. Our husbands moved on much easier, they could never understand why we still had that vacant look in our eyes and lost our zest for life. But we did get our joie de vivre back. Mamie made sure of that!
Mamie outlived her terminal cancer diagnosis for 21 years, much to the surprise of the doctors at MD Anderson. Mamie always said this was God’s choice. God knew she needed to be here for her daughter. We know it was a “Mamie” thing also!
I love you and miss you Mamie! I know you are at peace in heaven and still taking care of us from above.
11 comments:
That was such a sweet and touching tribute to your friend.
Fran
A beautiful tribute to your friend. She was a true WOW. Blessings to your and yours and her family in your grief.
QMM
Sending you warm wishes as you mourn the loss of your friend!
Such a tribute.....you did a good thing posting this.
What a sweet precious post for such a fine lady! You are a wonderful neighbor. Wish we lived down the street from each other. Oh the projects we could conquer!! xoxo
What beautiful flowers and touching tribute. Mamie has left such a lasting legacy, both for you and her surviving family members. She must have been one special lady....beating cancer for 21 years!
I'll send a special prayer for her loved ones comfort. Mamie is at peace at last.
Judy
So kind of you to share this beautiful tribute. Our prayers are with you and those who will miss her.
What a wonderful tribute to an amazing woman.
Mamie sounds like she was an incredible woman. You were so blessed to have had her touch your life.
What a beautiful tribute to your amazingly strong friend.
What a lovely way to honor your wonderful friend. She sounds like a strong woman, and the kind of friend we all need. And clearly you were a great friend to her as well.
Kat
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