My friend, and pet-sitter extraordinaire, Erika Gardner, passed away today. Not sure exactly how old she was- just between 50 and 60. She came over here from Germany when she was 16. I loved her accent. She had a battle with pancreatic cancer. Almost 2 years ago was her first diagnosis with it. Her round of chemo then knocked it out. A few months ago, that same cancer came back, just not in her pancreas- pretty much all over. Her battle with it this go was fairly quick. Until 3 weeks ago, she was going about her business as if nothing were wrong. Once she got really ill, she was able to be home, with her husband taking wonderful care of her. He loves/loved her- and he did everything for her that anyone would hope someone would do.
She was an incredible force. She had a daughter, 4 grandchildren (maybe 5), and a relatively new great-granddaughter and loved all of them dearly. She was stubborn, did things her way, could always be counted on, and when she was watching your pets, you never doubted for a minute that they were well cared for. She never seemed to mind that neurotic me would call her several times during that week, and she was always up for whatever new members I’d add to my zoo each year. My kids thought she was wonderful- and so did I. I will always think she is wonderful, and a very bright light went out today.
She sent funny e-mails around- never the bleeding heart ones, always the ones that would make you laugh out loud. So, here is the very last one she sent me. Hope it gives you all a chuckle.
Once upon a time, a guy asked a girl ‘Will you marry me?’ The
girl said: ‘NO!’ And the girl lived happily ever after and went
shopping, dancing, drank martinis, ate chocolate, always had a
clean house, never had to cook, did whatever the hell she
wanted, never argued, didn’t have to worry about her weight,
traveled more, had many lovers, didn’t save money, and had all
the hot water to herself. She went to the theatre, never
watched sports, never wore friggin’ lacy lingerie that went up
her ass, had high self esteem, never cried or yelled, felt and
looked fabulous in sweat pants and was pleasant all the time.
The End.
Safe journey, Erika.
That brought tears to my eyes. How wonderful that you were able to know such a lovely person. Our condolences to her family and yours.
I’m so sorry for your loss. That letter is a gem- you are so lucky to have had such a friend. Wishing you peace and comfort.
hugs!
so, so sorry. she sounds like she had a wonderful spirit… sounds like she was ready to go.
Hey, Mindy. That’s a wonderful tribute to Erika. She would be very pleased. She came over here and settled in the Madison area of VA in about 1972; was born in 1948, an only child. Gah, you know how much I miss my dear friend already. = [ On a lighter note, I love your page. This pic’s are beautiful!! I never knew there were goats that looked like that!! I had a little pygmy goat a few years ago; loved her dearly. Used to actually bring her in the house, lay on the kitchen floor and she would lay up on my chest. It was awesome. Someday I’d like another one… Have great fun at the show this weekend!! Hugs, Elizabeth
[...] bit of sadness. I realized the other day was the anniversary of my friend Erika’s death from pancreatic cancer. Miss Mad for Knit will be doing the run for cancer again this year, [...]