Another Sweet & Sassy Send-Off…Farewell My Friend, MaryAnn
Posted on March 4, 2009 in the Real Beauty category
I’m sad to say, I have another Sweet & Sassy Send-Off.
These are my least favourite posts, but I consider myself lucky to have known such incredible people to write about and remember.
When I decided to write my book, Real Beauty, (Real Beauty Book Overview), I wanted to honour all the awesome women in my life and share the qualities that make them beautiful. I’m happy to add to my list, even though I’m upset to lose a friend.
About a year ago, I joined an amazing group, Soroptimist of Capitola (www.best4women.org). It’s an international organisation dedicated to bettering the lives of women and girls everywhere. It was one of the best things I’ve done for myself and have met the most fabulous women ever.
One of these women was MaryAnn. Right from the beginning, she took me under her wing. I loved her immediately. She was a long time member of Soroptimist – most recently from the Capitola club but previously belonged to the Watsonville club, too. She knew everyone!
I respected MaryAnn because she was honest, fiesty and strong. She was a proud and beautiful woman. Whenever she talked to me, she kept her head up and looked me straight in the eye. She didn’t seem afraid of anything. I could feel her confidence and bask in it, even when I was feeling unsure of myself or nervous.
I always enjoyed seeing her and her darling husband, Norm, at the Mid County Senior Center Ranch Breakfast http://www.mid-county-center.org/bkfst.shtml. It was one of the highlights for me each month. She didn’t mind when all the girls flirted with Norm. She knew she had a prince for a husband – so did all the other girls!
I especially enjoyed going to events with MaryAnn. We attended a Soroptimist event in Watsonville and she introduced me to anyone who came our way. She helped me feel comfortable and accepted. Joining a new group is hard, but she never let me feel anxious or alone. We drove around after the event and she shared her old neighborhood me. I felt I knew her so much better because she was generous with her time and her stories.
She was the last Capitola Soroptimist member I saw. I couldn’t leave town without saying good-bye one more time. I’m glad I did. It was a very hard thing for me to do – because I hate saying good-bye. I’ll avoid it at all costs. I just like to fade into the sunset. But she and Norm had come to mean so much to me, that I sucked it up and popped by her place on our way out of town. I could tell she was sad but she kept her head up and looked straight at me to say good-bye.
I wish I could be brave like MaryAnn. I think of her when I feel wimpy and need to toughen up a bit. I’ll always appreciate the time I spent with her.
I’m sorry I didn’t get to see her again. But I know the time I spent with her was special. I loved her fiercely and I will remember her fondly.
Cheers, MaryAnn – I raise a toast (champagne, of course) to you, and will miss your sweet smile and sassy nature.
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Hey! I am so sorry to hear about MaryAnn! Norm will be lost without her! The Ladies of the Soroptimist will take him under their wings, I am sure. I am glad I got to meet her! Love, MOG1