kris

I knew

the moment we met

that we were meant to be 

friends.

I can remember standing in my driveway,

chatting with you and 

Knowing.

You were smart,

a reader,

and 

 damn funny.

We would spend mornings

discussing books,

drinking coffee with chickory,

and eating

(too many) donuts.

You would drag me to the park,

which was hard work.

But not for you.

You

actually

Enjoyed it.

Always.

Always putting your children first.

You got it.

Faith and Family.

Good wine and good coffee.

Country Club - resigned.

Cotillion - not interested.

You invested in 

the most valuable 

assets ~

your children,

family,

true friends.

I will never forget the phone call

when we were still living in New York.

Breast Cancer.

I cried.

John cried.

And one of the reasons

I was happy not to teach this year,

was because I could spend more time with you.

After being gone all summer,

I was excited upon receiving your text

about getting together a few weeks ago.

I couldn't wait.

I planned on telling you that 

I was here.

Not leaving.

I couldn't wait to spend time with you this fall.

And as for those of us who have lived long enough,

tomorrow doesn't wait.

Our cocktails were cancelled 

in lieu of 

oxygen.

My dinner prepared,

you were in the hospital.

I couldn't resolve the limited time

with the limitless 

catching up

we were going to do.

You were so special.

Your family is 

exceptional.

Their support system 

for your children 

will be 

unimaginable.

It's not you.

You were the best.

But second best,

there is nothing like it.

You have a super cool family.

There are so many more stories.

So many laughs.

Tonight,

there is a gaping hole 

in the universe

where your blessed soul

resided.

I will never forget you.

I will  never forget our last moments together.

Of course, 

it was so like you

to be surrounded by 

family and friends.

People who flew in from

all over

to be with you.

You were That Special.

I don't understand it.

I'll never accept it.

But my life is better

because 

you were in it.

I love you, Kris.