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| Melissa and me |
Sitting here thinking of what to write and the first thing that comes to mind is GODDAMMIT. All the curse words and GODDAMMIT.
This wasn't how it was supposed to go. Then again hearing the news on Sunday did not come as a complete shock. Well, yes and no. Life kept throwing my old pal curve balls and it would seem that she had finally had enough.
Melissa and I met back in the early 90s at a busy brunch spot called Lynn and Lu's near Lake Merritt in Oakland, CA. I liked her immediately. Not only was she beautiful, she was super smart, had a great sense of humor, and was very good at her job. She could handle a really large section on the back patio in the blazing sun on a slammingly busy weekend day without hardly seeming to break a sweat. I think I asked her once how she managed to keep everything in her head and she showed me the back of her ticket book. She had a system. There written down were all of her table nos. with attendant markings that only she understood. With that system she easily tracked which guests had already received their orders and which guests had yet to. It was pretty clever. But that was Melissa: Clever. She was clever, smart, funny and beautiful.
Sometimes guests would get the two of us confused or think we were related. We used to joke that diners got us mixed up because we were the only two white people who worked at Lynn and Lu's at the time. I found folks' inability to tell us apart flattering.
Them: Are you two sisters? Me: No, but thank you.
Them: Which one of you is Lynn; which one of you is Lu? Me: Neither
Them: Hi, Melissa! Me: Oh, she's actually off today.
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| Lynn and Lu's crew relaxing at Melissa's pad. |
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| Me and M'liss circa 1996, ice rink at Union Square, SF Melissa (red coat) could ice-skate and I could not, I might add. |
You will be forever loved and forever missed. x
I am so sorry. It can seem a cruel joke our friends check out before we do. Actually, it is a cruel joke.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Joanne. It does seem like a very cruel joke, indeed. x
DeleteWhat a wonderful and beautiful photo of the two of you laughing together. That's a real keepsake to treasure. My condolences on Melissa's passing. Wishing you heart's ease in time.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Debra. I appreciate your words. x
DeleteMy condolences, friends are irreplaceable and to lose one to death is a misery..
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Ann. x
DeleteSo sorry for your loss. It is " it would seem that she had finally had enough" that really hit me. How very sad. Hugs from across the ocean.
ReplyDeleteYeah, it's not the way one wishes a friend would go. Thanks for the hugs, my dear.
DeleteI am so very sorry. For her, and for everyone who loved her.
ReplyDeleteThank you, E.C. x
DeleteHeartbreaking! Such a beautiful, smart girl! Sincere condolences on your loss!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Duta.
DeleteOh, that's sad. I would have liked to have met you both, especially at the restaurant.
ReplyDeleteLovely photos and good memories.
ReplyDeleteIt is gutting to lose friends.
So very gutting.
DeleteI left a comment here which has now disappeared.
ReplyDeleteRats.
DeleteI can see the comment, fortunately, if I click on the 'comments' tab. You would have really liked Melissa. She was really something. The American portions at the resto were HUGE, tho'.
DeleteI suspect that Tom's comment has been marked by blogger as spam and you will have to release it before it appears here.
DeleteOh! I didn't realize that comments could be held in that way. Thanks, EC, for the tip.
DeleteOh no, I'm so sorry. Losing a food friend is heartbreaking. So glad you have the photos of some of your times together.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Joey. It is nice to have the memories and photos, at least.
DeleteI am so sorry for your loss.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Liz. x
DeleteOh, Bea, don't you two look great together? Sisters, yes. That's sad news about your lovely friend.
ReplyDeleteYes, she was a great pal.
DeleteI understand the Goddammit! Have had to utter a few of those myself on two occasions. Enjoy your memories and the time you had together coupled with the photos you've shared. Take care of yourself.
ReplyDeleteIt's so tough, isn't it? And, thanks.
DeleteSorry for your loss. You do look similar. Glad you have photo's and no doubt more memories. Keep them close.
ReplyDeleteSandy's Space
Thank you, my dear.
DeleteMy deepest condolences, Bea. I am so sorry for your loss. Take care of yourself.
ReplyDelete