I heard the news today when the sun was hanging high in the middle of the sky. Upon my return from a short walk, I opened the door to let the puppy into the house but kept myself outside. A sad time and reflection was what I needed.
As I sat down on the stairs and remembered, I noticed the purple flowering lavender in my garden. They are at their peak perfuming, but Sue – my neighbor of ten years – wasn’t here to admire them or pick some for her pocket.
Her deadly illness finally took her far from us today – June 23, 2015. Her loving husband, her son growing into a fine adult, and her vivacious teenager daughter, the unkind disease separated her from them forever, thirty years before her time.
I thought of a few options of doing something nice for Sue’s loved ones. But in the end I’m Tibetan, and I did it the Tibetan way, just like my grandma would have done for such an occasion.
I made bread “flowers” and beef dumplings “momos” with scallions. Arranged the decorative dumpling pouches and the short-necked daisy-like yellow flowers in a wicker basket, Sue would have liked it.
I promised her husband to keep an eye on the splendid garden Sue established, while they are away by the sea.
Sue, I already miss you. I will miss you when I see your big dogs that you rescued. I will miss you when I see everything growing around your house that you adored. I will miss you, always.
And I have decided to appreciate my life more.
A nice offering from the heart. Very touching. I am sorry for this loss.
Thank you, Sara. A very good neighbor, she’s gone too young. Very sad.
Bread “flowers”, how beautiful. Your friend sounds like she will be taking care of a heavenly garden. I have a friend Nita who will be with her.
I’m sorry about Nita, Rose. I hope their afterlife is a “heavenly garden”. Let us all pray.
Oh Dear Jolma. So truly sorry for the loss of your close friend Sue, I am sure you will miss her greatly. What a touching Tibetan food tribute to share with her family. May you treasure the many happy moments and times you shared together.