Going through old letters here in the cabin in Lamorna. Well, it is raining and a good day for sorting.
I don’t keep them all but it is good to hold onto some of them and especially now that letters are so rare. All my friendships from the 1980’s and 90’s are represented there – reminding me of small events that otherwise would have disappeared into oblivion.
One of those friends was Val Phillips – my longtime healer and friend who died some years ago – far too soon, too young, still very missed. Of course I miss all those who have since died but Val is the one who makes me ache still from the unfairness of it. She had a huge influence on the way I work and sometimes when I am doing acupuncture I get a strong sense of her presence which brings tears to my eyes. Who knows if it is just a memory or really a visit of some part of her spirit? All I know is that one moment I am standing with my hands perhaps hovering over a needle, to give it extra punch, and the next I have tears streaming down my face. Which is actually quite nice in a way and luckily the patients are usually dozing off at that point so they never know.
She was the first person who ever was able to tell me in a way that I could take it in – you are alright!
Anyway, I found these two cards that she sent me – I think of her laughing wickedly and snorting and how in fact she made me laugh much more often than she made me cry.
Here they are – the first one is the taster – it is the second that really is funny for me! Hope you like.
I think it’s sweet that you keep these mementos and look back on them from time to time. And I think it’s sweet that you imagine your dear friend, chuckling and snorting in the aisle at the Hallmark store or wherever these were purchased. I am so sorry that she’s not with you anymore. Or rather, that she is only with you in spirit ~ sometimes that is enough. But only sometimes.
It is so amazing to sort old letters. I have mine, still in a pile somewhere dusty and safe. Its really something, isnt it, sorting through letters and finding the love of a friend from the past. Lovely post Kate.
oxox
These made me chuckle! I love looking through old letters, visiting old memories. Lovely to see you and Bonnie yesterday, and thanks for introducing me to a new cafe! x
It’s good to remember friends with a smile – the second card is hilarious and since I am now the mentor of a class of teenagers and start talking to them one-on-one from tomorrow, probably appropriate for some of my students as well.