A Loving Tribute to Lee Ann

Doesn't my friend Lee Ann look like she is alot of fun to be with? She was...

This was taken on our last outing together, she insisted we have champagne for lunch! So I did, it was wonderful...the food..the champagne...the laughs and the love of a friend.

Lets start at the beginning

I met Lee Ann when she owned a antique store in the town where I lived. I loved to go there, she moved the merchandise fast, things were cheap, she knew what I liked and she had a table in the entrance for what ever holiday was next with a color scheme.

I went there almost every Saturday. When my Mom came to visit she would go with me and purchase some things too. Sometimes my Mom would find something good before me! Then my Mom died unexpectedly, I was a little lost soul. The first trip back to see Lee Ann I am sure she could see my pain. From then on she was there for me, helping me get through the rough times. Mom died in November so for Christmas Lee Ann took me to the symphony for a beautiful Christmas concert. We would plan small outings to go antiquing. When my husband and I were awarded "Yard of the Month" in our hometown she was at my house with me when they came to bring the sign to put in our yard.

The next year her husband got a new job in Indiana. I hated to see her move, but she was just a hour and half away from my cousin, so we would go see her when I went to Indiana. That is where the picture of her of her was taken at a great bistro where we had lunch.

Here is a picture of her wonderful store that was in Lafayette Indiana

She had the best things and was so talented with displays. She loved having the window to fix up.

Then her store was damaged by a wind storm and water damage and she had to close. Not long after that they moved to Minnesota. I always looked forward to every holiday, Easter, Valentine, Thanksgiving, Christmas because she would sent a vintage or handmade card. This Christmas the card did not come, there was nothing for sale on her ebay site?

I found out today my dear friend is no longer with us.....

It took the breathe out of me, how could someone so vibrant, so fun, great laugh with so much to give be gone? I have never lost a friend before. I have lost most of my family over the years but no friends. I don't think  I am ready to move into that phase of life.

She brought so much joy to me at a very lonely time in my life and for that I will have her in my heart forever. I pray that there is someone there for her daughter and husband like she was for me.

Love you Lee Ann