I learned a few days ago that one of my dearest friends, Nan, had passed away. Nan was the author of the blog Letters From A Hill Farm, which I know several of you have visited and enjoyed over many years. I have been so sad the last few days and will miss her more than I can really communicate in words. She had not been posting for several months, but she has been missed tremendously. I wanted to let people who check in here know what had occurred.
Nan and I met on a book site many years ago (like over 25 years). There were others that we talked with, one of them Les who authors Coastal Horizons, and also Teri who does not write a blog. The four of us just connected and we have kept up with each other through many years. We've shared our book love, our love for our families and our children, and the ups and downs of our lives. Our kids are all grown. The other three have grandchildren. Stuff has happened - wonderful things and sad things. We supported each other through all that life tossed at us. We have seen each other in person only a few times because we live spread out across the US. And we have remained close friends. Nan will be missed so, so much.
Les has written a wonderful, touching post about Nan on her blog here. I encourage you to read it. She said so many great things about Nan and has some lovely pictures as well. Please do read it. Nan and I met in person 3 times - once in 1998 at a bookstore in my area, once in 2017 in her part of the world that I wrote about here, and the last time in 2018 when she travelled again to Texas. My thoughts on that are here. Some may wonder how friends could know each other so well without being together face-to-face. Well, it can happen. For sure.
I'll leave you with a quote from A.A. Milne that describes my feelings for Nan in the past and for the future. And I'll encourage you to reach out to old friends, make new friends, and practice gratitude every day. You won't regret it. Take care, book friends!
Oh...that's so sad. I used to visit her blog and always enjoyed reading her posts. It's hard to lose such good blogging friends. I'm so sorry!
ReplyDeleteLark, thank you for your kind words about Nan. I will admit that it made me think about you and Melody. Still miss her too as I know you do. Sigh. What a blessing to have known both of them.
DeleteThis is so beautiful, Kay. And the Pooh quote is spot-on. I feel as if Nan taught me to appreciate the little things in life, and I will miss her terribly. Big hugs to you, my dear friend. What the four of us had was very special. I'll be writing to you again soon. xoxo
ReplyDeleteThanks, Les. Yes, I liked the Pooh quote. What you and I and Teri and Nan had was indeed very special. I am very grateful for all the talks, emails, and laughs we had together. Love you, friend.
DeleteDear Kay, I am so sad to learn of Nan's passing. Thank you for this post to honor a very kind, special woman.Nan was one of the first to follow my blog and what wonderful encouragement she provided! I just thought of her recently when the contestants on Jeopardy couldn't identify Kris Krisofferson! Nan would have been horrified, I'm certain.I am thinking of her husband and children and grandchildren and all her friends.I loved her observations of life! Its hard to type through tears, so will stop here. Thank you again, Kay. I'm sure I found you through Nan's blog!
ReplyDeleteKay, thank you for coming by and for your kind words. I know that you will miss Nan too. And I suspect that you are right - you and I found each other through her. Take care, 'other' Kay - ha! Hugs.
DeleteKay, Thanks so much for letting me know about Nan's passing, and it is hard to even respond. I had worried that we had not heard from her lately on the blog. I will miss her very much. She had such varied opinions and tastes, and shared so much of her family life. She loved music, and shared recipes, and in earlier years, she wrote wonderful book reviews. She was a very kind, thoughtful person.
ReplyDeleteTracy, you are so sweet in your words here about Nan. She was definitely one of a kind. I know that you will miss her too. Please take care of yourself and keep reporting all your reading to the rest of us. We do enjoy it.
DeleteKay, I'm so sorry for the loss of your friend. I can imagine how emotional this is for you and your other friends. I have a small group of "book friends" since 2003 (I think). We've been through life's ups and downs and that has been wonderful. Sending hugs your way.
ReplyDeleteMary