How I want to be remembered.....

This week, I have lost a dear friend.

Camille was not only a work colleague, but someone who had a ready ear, a welcome grounding perspective, a quick wit and a willing attitude to do almost anything.  From lunch on a workday to shopping on a Saturday, or theatre when the tickets were too good to pass up, I was very fortunate to be able to call on Camille, and away we'd go.  I will miss that. I will miss that a lot. I will miss Camille. A lot.

When a dear friend suddenly passes away, it's not uncommon to reflect on the many shared moments, and what made them special. Often it's the person, moreso than the act itself, that makes them memorable. And as I find myself writing a tribute or card, I tend to reflect on these moments and characteristics of my friend that made them such outstanding representatives of human character.

Camille was one of those friends -- an outstanding human being. Compassionate beyond words. Steadfast. Loyal. True and without pretense. When she'd ask how your day was going, she meant it -- good and bad. She'd listen, and keep you grounded -- and she'd make you laugh. She had lots of life experience, yet tried new things without hesitation. She'd have a hot cup of water on her desk in the morning, but she'd go for a vanilla shake at lunch. She was elegant, sophisticated, and enjoyed every weekend she could muster at her daughter's cottage, kicking back with the kids. She was a kid at heart!

One of the most memorable moments for me, that defined Camille as an incredible friend, was a Sunday morning as I walked into my husband's room at Princess Margaret Hospital (Toronto). This was about 5 years ago when he was unable to walk due to a metastisized cancer near his spine. Since Ken was not from the city, it was rare we had visitors until late in the day. There was Camille, sitting quietly chatting with Ken, both of them drinking something from Tim Horton's.... Camille had been to visit a family member, and dropped in. She knew she was family to us too.

That's how I want to be remembered by friends.... the same way I'm remembering Camille. If I can do as she did -- to be there for those who need me, to offer a compassionate ear and a hug when required, to be rich in life experiences and wise in knowing when to share that knowledge, and being genuine, caring and maintaining my integrity in all situations, then I will have done what Camille has done -- left this world a better place.

Rest peacefully, my dear friend.