In memory of A.S.
 

Today I celebrate.
Today I celebrate life.
Today I celebrate the life of an old friend.

Today I celebrate her vibrant energy, her mischievous face as she danced the solo I gave her when the director didn't realize what a gem she was. I celebrate the tango and the jazz square and the sugar-glass bottle shattered across the head of her imaginary enemy every night.

Today I celebrate her youthful body exactly as it should be. I celebrate her frame gently softened by the budding of her baby-hips. Before pressure to be brittle, to skeletalize herself like the other ingenues, consumed her. Before she left us today.

Today I celebrate me.
Today I celebrate my abundance of curves.
Today I celebrate a market full of succulent peaches and plums and apricots, stretched down Ivar Boulevard as far as I can see. I celebrate. I take another bite, and the juice drips down my chin and I am not ashamed.
Today I celebrate another day in the pool.
Today I celebrate my search for the happy medium that never made Amy happy.

That was lovely, H. Very sad about your friend. Sorry for your loss.

Thanks for sharing that, Heidi.

I am very sorry to hear of the loss of your friend. Heartfelt condolences from Matthew and I.

That was a very beautiful tribute to your friend ad to life. I'm sorry for your loss.

Wonderful words, so sorry for your loss.

Sorry for your loss.
Thank you for sharing your beautiful words.

How awful. As usual with any negativitiy, you seem to be dealing with it in the most healing way. Much love and hugs.

Thank you. That is touching and awfully sad. My condolences and best wishes.

That was beautiful. Condolences and hugs...

/hugs

So sorry for you loss, my friend. If there is anything i can do, don't hesitate to call.

What a lovely tribute, to find beauty in your grief. I'm sorry for your loss and will think of both you and your friend the next tme I bite into a succulent peach.

A friendship shared. Beautiful.

I'm so sorry for your loss. I hope the strength you've shown in your post helps to carry yourself, and anyone else close to her and you, through a difficult time.

Thanks all, for your kind words. I'm too far away to be at the memorial services tomorrow, but I knew I needed to express myself somehow. Thanks for listening (/reading).

I missed this while driving.

Such a beautiful tribute, so very sad, but so very beautiful.

<<<HUGS>>>