February 11th

My friend Laura started on hospice several days ago and asked me to come over so that she could give me a loom to give to a friend of mine who would like to have it. Laura’s appetite wasn’t very good, and I made her some chicken soup and went over there today. It was so good to see her…her health had gone downhill very quickly, and I knew this would probably be the last time we’d see each other.

We had a good, if bittersweet visit, remembering our happy times together, and talking about how much we loved knitting and spinning, and how we’d enjoyed spinning together at the park last summer. She also gave me a huge bag of Shetland roving (ready to spin fiber) that she’d had processed, as well as a box full of mohair/Romney (breed of sheep) fiber all ready to spin. Laura was an exceptionally talented knitter; her skills were ‘way beyond mine. She’d started a complicated hat at the beginning of January, but knew she wouldn’t be able to finish it. She asked if I’d finish it for her, and I said of course I would, even though I hadn’t seen the hat yet. We parted with hugs and “I love yous”, and I slowly began my sad drive home.

Heading mauka, I saw Mt. Hood shining in the distance through my tears…

…and these horses grazing peacefully in their pasture. Laura and I had often talked about our love for horses.

When I got home, I took Laura’s hat out of the bag; she’d given me the yarn and pattern. This is how far she’d gotten on it…23 rows. It was far more complicated than anything I’d ever knit, and oh, so pretty. I was determined that I’d take on the challenge for Laura, my friend, even though I felt intimidated by the pattern.

I never did get to see Laura again…she died about a week and a half later in her husband’s arms. I felt so grateful for the brief time we’d spent together, yet sad that I was losing yet another friend. This has been such a long season of loss for me, and losing another friend has taken the wind out of my sails.

Rest in aloha, my friend. I miss you.