In Memorial...

My best friend laid to rest her daughter today. She was 23 years old.
I can not imagine burying a child. It would be like cutting off an arm or leg, and trying to go on without it. Every moment would be like you are missing something, like you left something behind and have to go find it. Incomplete. My friend cared for, watched, protected, guarded her child's life with every part of her being, but she couldn't prevent her from slipping out of her grasp.

The service was beautiful, had many touching tributes, overwhelming flowers and did leave you with a sense of comfort, that her life mattered, was well spent, was devoted to family and friends, that she was a gift. There was a feeling of peace, but there were some moments that struck me hard.

Mom and Dad saying goodbye before the casket was closed. Brother and nearly Brother-in-law leaning on each other for comfort. Watching as the family drove away from the cemetery, leaving behind the girl they all treasured. Still, the most painful moment was when Audreys' fiance' showed me the rings he had given to her when they got engaged just 5 days before she died. Heartbreaking! What should have been a happy time, shared by family and friends became a time of sorrow. Joyful plans of a wedding gathering turned into making final arrangements and gathering for a final farewell.

The hardest yet, is still to come. All the days of time marked by events happening either prior to or after losing Audrey. Little things that happen that you want to share with her. Times you would call her or get a call from her, that aren't possible now. Now only one way conversations, things you share with her in your heart. Silence for eternity.