(Untitled)

[tears_of_nienna]

I opened this window to make stupid petty complaints about moving home again

Comments

[squeeful]

Oh, love, there is no adequate way to say good-bye to someone, but tell her what you've written here. Memories and the things that mean something to you. That you cherish that book she made you and it is one of your most precious things.

Pretty words are all fine and well, but they can be distancing and feel constructed. What makes a beautiful, moving letter is not the lyricism of the phrasing or the perfect word, but the true emotions they convey. You love this woman and she was a good chunk of your childhood world. It'll show in whatever you write. If you believe nothing else, believe that. It shows in just this post right now.

[tears_of_nienna]

*hugs* Thank you so, so much. I managed to get something written, and I know it doesn't do her justice, but it says what I needed to say.

As soon as this lump in my throat goes away, I'm getting a big bowl of ice cream. I think it's called for.

[darth_angelus]

*hugs*

I'm so sorry, it's horrible to lose someone like that :(

I don't know everything you could say to her but if it was me, I'd include those memories of her you wrote in your post here.

[sc_fossil]

There's nothing wrong with crying because you're sad. I'm so sorry hear about this. Losing someone is never easy. Best to you.

[sarahsan]

I would be paralyzed if I had to put my entire history and feeling for a single person into words...it's not inadequacy on your part, it's the inadequacy of language. :( I hope a few almost-suitable words presented themselves, anyway. *hug* Her memory of you is what will count for her.

[neumeindil]

Don't tell her "goodbye". Tell her "thank you" and "I love you". Goodbyes suck and are hard and no one looks forward to them-- especially not the terminally ill. Thank you and I love you are good things to hear no matter the situation, and right now focusing on an end is probably not something she wants to do any more than she has to.

Mourn her at your own pace and in your own way when she's gone; appreciate what's left now as much as you can.

[tears_of_nienna]

Carol has had an amazingly good attitude about it all--she's calling it her "Farewell Tour." :) I did what I could to express how wonderful she is and all the things I remember, without actually saying good-bye or anything like that. I made my mother read the letter to make sure it was okay, and it choked her up, so I guess I might have done all right.