I had known my friend for all of our 40 years. Our Nan's and Mum's were friends, we were born a couple of weeks apart, and had children ourselves within weeks of each other. We were inseparable until we hit our 20's when our lives led us in different directions, and though we hadn't seen each other for a few years as I have moved around a lot, we were always in touch in one way or another, and still counted each other as the oldest of friends.
I had an awful feeling something was wrong, and tried getting in touch, but heard nothing back. Last week I was told she was on end of life care and had a short amount of time left after an awfully short illness, she had asked for me, so I rushed to see her from across the country. When I left her, I told her I would see her tomorrow before I left for home again. But she died the next day.
I've lost family over the years of course, but I've never felt such utter sadness like this. I find myself crying at everything, my every thought is about her. I'm heartbroken for her family, her young sons, and the idea that we won't see the rest of our lives and the celebrations of family together.
It's just so cruel.