a friend

A long-time friend of Cyndi's passed away unexpectedly Saturday morning, and it was very sad for everyone. She was from Belen. She was a grade school and high school classmate of Cyndi's next older sister. Cyndi was one of four of her dearest friends, along with Cyndi's sister and two other sisters, also from Belen, and they all got together frequently for regular girls' nights out. The four were their friend's bridesmaids, after college together, and on Wednesday they were her pallbearers for the mass and the funeral in Belen. The four sought each other's consolation during the short time leading up to the rosary service on Tuesday in Belen, visiting the family, her husband, and her two sons (one finishing high school, the other in his second year in college) at their friend's home in Albuquerque and gathering photographs for a memorial. It was touching to see them holding on to each other, such close and long friends, grieving for their lost friend. Many people came to pay their respects to Gerri and her family. Many I knew from other spheres, so I thought, but were also connected to her. Many of her family and friends I had met before over the few years I have known Cyndi. Cyndi was like family, and so the boys and I were, too. It seemed strange to come together this way. No one was a stranger. People felt closer to one another. The grief passed in the course of the few days, but not altogether. Cyndi still can't believe her friend is not here. She reminded me to send our love to all of our family and friends. We love you. She especially asked me to send love to my family, whom we are able to see too infrequently. I love you.