Yesterday Annie and I found out that one of our dear friends had passed away. Nan was part of the family that welcomed Annie to America 20 years ago, and who welcomed me, too, when Annie and I fell in love over a decade ago.
Nan, along with her family and friends, learned that she was ill just after Labor Day. I now sit in disbelief with the knowledge of how quickly cancer can take a life. A wonderful, active, beautiful, creative, and loving life.
It all happened so quickly. Yesterday, as I was embarking on a late afternoon hike in Muir Woods, Annie called to tell me Nan's health had taken an unexpected turn for the worse. I did my best to comfort Annie - and we resolved that we would make a visit after our obligations over the weekend were met.
And while I walked amongst the giant trees, I found myself lost in the thought of Nan and the warm memories of spending time with her and her family. We once took a camping trip with them to Big Basin, which is a large stand of redwoods near Santa Cruz. Muir's big trees were reminding me of that trip - of the music we played around camp, the great food we made, and how the trunks of these living giants were lit up by campfire and scented with wood smoke in the evening.
I find great comfort in Nature. For me, Nature provides a safe, grounded place to work through life's challenges, and yesterday I was trying to make peace with the notion that time with Nan might be coming to an end soon. I took the shot above during that hike - in a beautiful valley named Fern Creek, which was cast in a purplish light near the forest floor, and bathed in Northern California October sunshine near the canopy. So beautiful. When I returned home, Annie told me that Nan had passed away while I was gone. I was (and still am) shocked and saddened.
Here is Nan - such a beauty - with her husband at one of the many celebrations our families have enjoyed together. Nan loved life. She knew great love. She played a mean mandolin. Made a great pot of chili. Laughed out loud. Cherished her family. Warmly welcomed friends. I'm so grateful to know such wonderful people.
I loved many things about Nan that will live on - when I am walking through the redwoods, listening to bluegrass music, or visiting with her family in the days, months, and years to come. I will really, really miss her.
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