The hills cry too

This morning my friend passed away surrounded by her family. I have known L since our school days "when she had legs" we used to laugh, because when she was in her thirties her car came off the road and she nearly died. In my sadness today I have to remember that - because she did live and in doing so has enriched both my life and that of everyone else whose life she has touched. As a result of the accident she broke her back and never walked or stood again. The youngest of her four daughters was just a babe in arms at the time and a few years later her husband abandoned her for someone else, with legs, so she had to bring the girls up on her own and they are a great tribute to her - four beautiful and delightful women.

Throughout these last thirty years she has never complained or expected the world to be delivered on a plate, she has just got on and lived her life with tremendous courage and determination. She had a warm sense of humour and was always thinking of others rather than herself and her circle of friends is now vast. When retirement came she was not ready to sit and be waited upon, she continued to want to help folk and became involved in groups such as the Children's Panel, Disability Tribunals and The Samaritans where she was Chairman when her cancer was first diagnosed. Her opinions were respected and sought after and she had still so much to give.... Fiercely independent L discovered the tall ships Tenacious and Lord Nelson which are specifically kitted out to enable people of all abilities to sail and so she found a way to enjoy an environment where people of all abilities were treated equally. I accompanied her on a few of these voyages as her buddy and found them truly inspirational.

We have come a long, long way together through many ups and downs in our respective lives but while I grieve for her passing today I am grateful for her life with its humour, courage and determination. Most of all though I am grateful for her friendship and inspiration and feel privileged to have known her for so long and to have been her chum.

Tonight I will be raising a glass of L's favourite wine, Sauvignon Blanc, from the vineyards in New Zealand. Cheers my friend, I will miss you.