A Sunset and a Bear

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I first met Cindy in my early 20’s. My husband and I were newlyweds, and had just moved to Pennsylvania from Texas. Working in a big office building, I would run into the same woman from another office often each day. One day, she said, “You won’t see me for a week – I’m going home on vacation.” When I inquired where “home” was, she enthusiastically replied, “Texas!” We were instant friends from that moment.

We were inseparable. We once lived near each other in Texas, but never met, and in Pennsylvania, we lived ‘round the corner from one another. Weekdays, we spent lunch breaks together, usually eating at one another’s house. We never ran out of things to talk about, and often lost track of time. I’ll never forget being white-knuckled, hanging on for dear life to the handle of the car, as Cindy drove to get us both back to work on time.

Our husbands became friends. It isn’t easy finding friends as an adult, and it’s not always that couples are friends. We’d do fun things, like going out to eat, shopping, or to the movies. Cindy and I always liked the same films. If she recommended a movie, I knew I’d love it. We shared similar senses of humor, and inside jokes abounded! In Pennsylvania, we’d often get our hair done together after work. We were both once given trendy 90’s pixies, in a funny burgundy color-  not intentionally! We laughed about that for years. Cindy loved to accessorize, and always looked stylish. What we bonded over most, though, was our love for animals. She’d adopt any stray cat or dog that needed someone, and those animals would get the best of everything with a lifetime of love.

When my husband and I moved to Connecticut, Cindy and I vowed to stay friends, and we did. Eventually, she and her husband moved back to Texas. Once, in Dallas, Cindy was determined I’d see all the landmarks. Walking to the Book Depository, it was so hot that the bottom of my shoes literally melted! 

She never had children of her own, but she was a great “Aunty”. My daughter instantly adored her, and Cindy adored her back.

Cindy and I always had long phone conversations, just like 1950s teenagers! When life got busy and we didn’t talk as often, catching up, we never missed a beat – picking up where we left off.  I’d tell her about Audrey and what was going on in Connecticut; she’d catch me up on things in Texas. She’d often tell me about her dear friend, April and fun things they would do. I never got to meet April but felt like I knew her. 

Life being the way it is sometimes (not fair), Cindy lost her husband after an illness in 2019. Unfortunately, Cindy had been fighting cancer, as well. 

She was fiercely independent and feisty, with a big personality to match her huge heart. Chatting on the phone, it was easy to forget she was fighting cancer. She seemed as bubbly as always. 

This summer, I knew something was wrong. I felt it in my heart. Her illness grew stronger, and she’d received grim news. My dear friend had limited time. 

Shortly after, she texted me very clear instructions that she wanted me to phone April, her beloved Texas friend. She said April knew I’d be calling, and because Cindy was easily tired, wanted me to get updates on her condition through April. That first time I spoke with April, it was like we were already friends. From that point on, we’d talk daily, or I’d get a text update on Cindy. Some days were good, others were not, and soon hospice was called in. Still, after work, April would come in daily and do whatever Cindy needed done. She was like Wonder Woman! 

When Cindy grew too ill to be on her own, April had Cindy move in with her and her family. In the middle of a horrible year, in a pandemic, and with all the other ugliness going on, with people showing their worst sides at every turn – I witnessed amazing grace. April is a full-time working mom, with a young family. She’s not a nurse, but learned what she needed to do to help care for a terminally ill person – not an easy task. She did it without thinking, with love and selflessness.

I’m blessed. The weekend before Cindy passed away was the last time we spoke on the phone. I spoke to my friend, and we said our goodbyes. I have sweet April to thank for that. People don’t often get that. The last thing we said to each other was “I love you”, which was also the last text I’d received from her. When my friend passed, on the last sunny summer weekend, April was holding her hand. I’m thankful to count April as a friend, and looking back, I realize that Cindy knew what she was doing when she put us in contact with each other. 

I don’t believe in coincidences. The week after, I was looking for an old photo for my daughter, but kept finding old notes and cards, sent from Cindy through the years.  I was then looking for something else, in a file drawer, when a piece of paper fell out of an old folder that I haven’t opened since the early 90’s. Picking it up, it was a typed letter, from Cindy. I once needed a reference for something, and she had sent one. In it was the line, “I consider Nicole to be one of my best friends.”

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The week before what would have been Cindy’s birthday, a large box arrived. There was neon orange tape all over the box, instructing “Do Not Open Until October 10th”. 

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On that day, I put on an old movie in the background as I opened the box. It was one of Cindy’s favorites, a film that we had still often laughed about. As the theme song played, I opened the box with Audrey. 

A heart for each of us.

A heart for each of us.

Inside, were a few sentimental items, along with two large stuffed animals. One was an elephant, meant for Audrey. It had been Cindy’s. The other, was a huge bear. There was another smaller heart-shaped pillow. Both had been made from pajama fabric- Cindy’s favorites. A poem was included, about a loved one’s first birthday in Heaven. Before she passed, Cindy had planned this for her close friends, picking out special fabric for each piece. The two large animals were to be “big enough it would be like getting a hug”. One thing I sure do miss during these “Covid times” are hugs! My bear is “camper” color, with pink flamingos, and the smaller heart in a paw print, was meant for Audrey, so she “could take a piece of Cindy’s heart with her to college”.  All are scented with my dear friend’s signature perfume. 

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On that beautiful summer evening, Audrey and I stood tearfully on the deck, wishing Cindy a happy birthday in Heaven, hugging our animals while watching the beautiful sunset, while in Texas, Cindy’s close friends did the same at a memorial on Cindy’s favorite beach.

Photo courtesy of April

Photo courtesy of April

My friend Cindy was beautiful, inside and out. She had big, bright eyes and a huge heart to match. It shows what kind of a person she was, because in her last moments of life, she was busy thinking about others- worrying how we would feel. 

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My bear sits in Cindy’s favorite room of my house. It is so very precious to me. The legs, hilariously, are sewn on backwards. I could take it apart and fix it, but I won’t- it makes me laugh out loud. Cindy always made me smile. 

*This post is dedicated to my dear friend, Cindy. Almost thirty years is a long time to know someone, but it wasn’t nearly enough. I will miss you always; and to April- a true angel on Earth. You are proof that there is still so much good and love in the world. Love you both.

 

Until Next Time…Farmgirl Hugs (but still socially distanced),

Nicole

  1. Debbie says:

    This story touched my heart. As a retired nurse and craft person I am now going to reach out to a dear friend and make her a bear from a shirt or pj pant of her recently deceased husband. Thank you so much for sharing!

    • Nicole Christensen says:

      Hi Debbie, thank you. That makes me happy, knowing that Cindy and April will inspire someone else. Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

  2. Jackie Galluze says:

    Beautiful story. It brought tears to my eyes.

  3. Amy says:

    Wow.

    My condolences on the loss of Cindy. I’m glad she had someone with her who cared, and had the best of friends all her life. You’ll always have the memories.

  4. Julie says:

    Thank you for the lovely story about your friend…we would all love a friend like Cindy. Precious friends are “gifts”
    which make our lives Special…
    As I kept reading I was drawn in, and wondered what Cindy’s special signature perfume was…to get an even better idea of her character…
    We hope we’ll see that friend again in another life, waving and smiling, maybe getting a “heavenly hug”

    • Nicole Christensen says:

      Hi Julie, Yes, I agree – precious friends ARE gifts! To answer your question, Cindy’s perfume was Chanel Coco Mademoiselle. Whenever I catch a whiff, I will be reminded of her! I was thinking about perfume the other day, and how I remember my grandmother and other special people in my life from their perfume scent. So many people no longer wear perfume (and I understand why, allergies, etc.) but I was thinking it is kind of sad in a way, another thing the younger generations won’t have. I use organic and natural products, but still love “real” perfume – a bottle will last me forever, as I only use one quick spritz, and not directly on my skin. Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

  5. Debbie Fischer says:

    What a beautiful heartwarming story Nicole of your Sweet Friend Cindy. Thank you for sharing her and April with us.
    Hugs,
    Debbie

  6. Brenda says:

    I’m so sorry for your loss. There is never enough time. Thank you for sharing. Hugs

  7. Maureen says:

    What a wonderful tribute. I love the concept of “first birthday in heaven”. How blessed you are for old and new dear friends.

  8. Connie rowland says:

    True friends are hard to come by , you were well blessed to have such a precious friend

  9. Chris Alred says:

    What a beautiful tribute to the most important things in life, love for one another. Thank you for sharing. Such an inspiring story in these hard times. God Bless~

  10. Diana says:

    Loved this story. I have a few close friends, one way back from Kindergarten (and I am 62 years old). So this story had me in tears. True friendship is a very special gift from God. ❤️❤️❤️

    • Nicole Christensen says:

      Hi Diana, I am glad you liked this post. I agree with you…friendship is a gift from God. Much love your way. Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

  11. Judy says:

    Thank you for sharing that(beary)wonderful, warm story!
    Such a Ca-ute bear. I noticed his legs right away… and am
    glad you didn’t correct them. A pigeon-toed bear is adorably unique!
    Lucky you to have such a great friend who knew how to give
    ‘Love’ her whole life, and even after!
    Hugs&Squeezles

    • Nicole Christensen says:

      Hi Judy, aren’t the legs cute? I love him that way…laughter through tears when I first saw him. April was so amazing to get everything done for Cindy, by her birthday, just so, for Cindy’s wishes. She is a true angel. I do feel blessed to have wonderful girlfriends in my life. Hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving. Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

  12. Marilyn says:

    So sorry for the loss of your dear friend Cindy. What a loving gift she sent to you and Audrey. I hope you can take comfort in your memories of Cindy and your friendship. I know what it is to lose a friend. My twin sister and me knew Marie from the 7th grade. She passed away 4 years ago. Marie’s birthday was the other day.We keep in touch with her daughter. May Cindy rest in peace.
    Marilyn

    • Nicole Christensen says:

      Hi Marilyn, thank you so much. I am so sorry to hear you lost your friend Marie. How wonderful that you keep in touch with her daughter. When we lose someone special, there is a hole that is left, but sweet memories help to bandage it. Much love to you and your twin. Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

  13. Reba says:

    Hi Nicole, this story reminded me to let my close friends know how much they mean to me. Your story really touched my heart! It touched me so much so that I wanted to forward your post to a couple of my close friends. Thank you for a sweet post in such a hard time!

  14. donna mazzaglia says:

    The loss of a dear friend is always hard to bare. What a wonderful, creative, and thoughtful woman. I too, love the idea of a first birthday in heaven. The bear is just delightful and it’s legs are perfect.

    • Nicole Christensen says:

      Thank you, Donna. That’s what I think too. I love my lil’ backwards leg bear. Thank you for reading and commenting. Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

  15. Donna says:

    Friends like Cindy are priceless. I know about that “hole” in your heart,

    • Nicole Christensen says:

      Hi Donna, I always think of that movie, with Brad Pitt, that was written as an adaptation of a work by F. Scott Fitzgerald, Benjamin Buttons. “…we’re meant to lose the people we love. How else would we know how important they are to us?” Very fitting. Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

  16. Beverly Battaglia says:

    A very nice tribute to your longtime, loyal friend, Cindy.
    Love, Mother

  17. Gloria Smith says:

    What a lovely post. Thank you for sharing your friend with us.
    Hugs from Virginia

  18. Marlene Burns says:

    Cute bear. What a beautiful story. Friends are so precious. Sometimes we only have them a short time but they leave footprints on our hearts. I value my friendships as I have lost a couple and it is hard to experience.

    • Nicole Christensen says:

      Hi Marlene, thank you! I hear ya. I am so sorry you lost your friends this year. Unfortunately, I can now count 9 people I know this year who have died (none from Covid, some were acquaitances), but yuck! What a bad year! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

  19. Meredith Williams says:

    Dear Nicole,I am so very sorry for your great loss of a wonderful friend. It sounds like she was a wonderful
    human being. Sending you a big hug! Cindy is with you always ❤️❤️

  20. Sandi says:

    Nicole, what a blessing you have been given and shared with us, thank you. Lifetime friends are truly a blessing and long distance lifetime friends who you never meet in person are also a blessing. I have many who have blessed me over the years with their words and confidences. We met over 20 years ago through genealogy classes and we still keep in touch. It is a blessing to have such friends. Thanks for posting your story.

    • Nicole Christensen says:

      Hi Sandi, thank you so much. I too, feel that online long distance friends are also very important. One farmgirl friend I met here on the blog has become someone I feel is one of my best friends! I hope someday we get to meet in person. I am missing my friend a lot, but grateful for the friends I have still. Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

  21. Joey says:

    Nicole, I feel like I know Cindy and April too. How close and precious real friends are, even if you are miles apart. How very thoughtful of both Cindy and April to make sure you got those gifts on her birthday. I am glad you have so many happy memories to comfort your heart and keep them close. SO sorry for your loss. Happy for your memories. Sending big hugs to you, Kim and Audrey. ❤️

    • Nicole Christensen says:

      Thank you so much, Joey. I do miss her a lot. I certainly thought of her on New Year’s – the first year she won’t see. A reminder that every moment we have is a gift. Much love to you and Rod. Catch up soon, I hope. Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

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