A story of kindness, care, and a goodbye that still lives in my heart
Today I received a phone call from someone very special to me — the sister of a client who also became a dear friend.
I met her a little over a year ago, when I was asked to help clean and organize her home. From the first moment, I saw a woman who had always been strong and independent, someone who used to handle everything on her own. But her body was letting her down, and you could see the pain she tried so hard to hide.
Last Christmas, we decorated her home together.
It was fun, because I don’t have family here, and she made me feel welcome.
She introduced me to “bubble lights” — those retro Christmas light bulbs with a lava-lamp effect inside. They were magical, and she was so excited to show them to me. She invited me for Christmas dinner, but we both got the flu. We ended up exchanging presents later, and even then, I could see she was hurting.
Only later did I learn why —
she had broken her hip and kept walking on it for far too long, thinking that “moving more” would help. That was the kind of woman she was… tough, stubborn, and full of heart.
When she had an important appointment at the hospital in Iowa City, I drove her and her sister.
It felt almost like going on a little trip.
We packed so much — including her oxygen tanks — and drove two hours listening to our favorite oldies radio station. The 60s music we both loved made the ride feel light, even though she was struggling. The waiting time at the hospital was long, but we were together, laughing, sharing stories, trying to keep things positive.
Later, her sister told me that surgery was planned.
And a few weeks after that…
I got the call.
She had passed away.
I couldn’t believe it at first.
But deep inside, I also knew she had been tired — tired of the pain, tired of fighting.
And knowing her, she did not want to become dependent on anyone.
That was her spirit.
Her house was pink — my favorite color.
Her niece took over the house and bought it, and today her sister called me because we made an appointment long ago to come clean the house. Of course I will help. Not as a job, but as a thank you — for the friendship, for the memories, for everything she shared with me.
I still have her plants — her aloe vera and her old, beautiful houseplants. I take good care of them, because they are a piece of her. Every time I water them, I think of her. And I smile.
I miss her.
But I’m grateful I knew her.
This is for you, E.
Thank you for being part of my life, even for a short time.
Some friendships stay forever — even after someone is gone.
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