Godspeed, Murph ...

I lost a friend this week.

Considering I live in a retirement development, that isn't surprising. But Kathy was only 55 and no one knew she was ill.

You can't really just describe Murph as a friend. She kept to herself, but she was outgoing. She was one of the first people to welcome us here and was glad we were here.

She was larger than life, but her poodle, Jazzy, always had bows on her ears and Murph doted on that dog. She would do anything for her. As a matter of fact, Jazzy belonged to Murph's neighbor and was being mistreated. She went over, confronted them and picked up the dog. Then she moved with Jazzy so they couldn't find her and try anything.

Murph had a big booming laugh and you always knew if she was there. She was smart and funny and filled a room by the sheer force of her personality. She was unmarried but I would have been comfortable sending her off as an escort for my husband if necessary.

She's going to be missed. So very much. It won't be the same here without her.