My friend Elizabeth has died. It hasn't been quite the same here without her. She was an amazing person. I always felt so honored to know her and that she counted me among her friends. She will be missed by everyone who knew her, absolutely everyone.
I first met Elizabeth at church years and years ago as she was just one of those people who was always around, always involved, always smiling. The first time we were introduced she looked at me, hugged me, and said, "Oh, I just know I am going to like you very much. I have seen you around and I can just tell you are someone I am just going to love knowing." Now, how can anyone resist that? And, it was I who just loved knowing her...she was such fun and so knowledgeable (I don't think you can name a place in the world that Elizabeth has not traveled to at least once) and we always, always, had a good time and laughed much together.
We played bridge in the couples league with Elizabeth and I always knew that if the rotation that night included Elizabeth, we were in for a very good time. She told the best stories. She had the funniest jokes. She made us all laugh until we cried. I will miss that so much. I never sit down to a bridge table that I don't think of her...either for her daring plays, her conquer-it-all-take-no-prisoners attitude, or her sparkling conversation and wit. It will truly not be the same without Elizabeth.
If you would like to read more about her amazing life (and it was amazing as you will see when you read this), here is a link to her obituary (type in her name in the search box) (oh, it is hard to type that). So, this morning as I am waiting for the carrot souffle to finish in the oven for the funeral luncheon in Elizabeth's honor, I am remembering, and praying, and thinking of her, a most wonderful friend. Please join me in praying for the repose of the soul of Elizabeth Grossman.