I’ve bought a ring for Sarah.
She passed away last week, after an extended battle with cancer. She was Pete’s cousin, and my friend.
Sarah was warm, funny and above all, honest – both with her words and her feelings. My occasional phone conversations with her would lower my heart rate, in the same way that settling into a comfy lounge or sipping hot tea does. I found her incredibly easy to talk to – words would tumble out, and our discussions would meander through the antics of our children, the quirky ups and downs of our everyday lives, and family happenings.
We met nearly twenty years ago, at Pete’s grandmother’s house. We both adored the old lady, and a few years later, formulated a mad plan to rescue her from the nursing home when she became too infirm to live on her own. It was never going to happen, of course, but that was Sarah’s way – lead with the heart, and try to figure out the details later.
We lived in different cities, so we only saw her every few years or so. She and I would chat once or twice a year on the phone, often for an hour or more, and then be caught up on each other’s lives. The last conversation we had was just a couple of weeks before she died, and it was a short one, as she was weak and struggling to talk. Even then, she wanted to know how we all were, what we planned to do for Christmas, how the kids were going at school. She always made us feel like we were special to her.
She had just fifty-three years of life, but it was so full of good things. A lot of pain too, but I think she’d have said that the good stuff far outweighed the hard times. She had wonderful parents, sisters who were her best friends, and a loving husband and children who adored her. She had a rewarding and creative career, great friends, and a community that supported her.
Sarah darling, you were loved so dearly by so many. Truly, you had a life well lived.
And so I bought a ring for Sarah. A big chunky sterling silver ring, which fills up my whole hand. Whenever I wear it, I will remember the times that she made me laugh until I cried, and how I would relay the stories to Pete, and then he too, would laugh until tears came. I will remember the times when I was struggling with Small Man’s illness, and Sarah would just listen, without judgment or endless advice. I will remember the dozen or so meals we shared, the handmade Christmas cards, the blankets we traded for artwork, and the sheer joy of having known her.
Rest in peace, Sarah. You will be missed more than you could ever have imagined.
Fig Jam and Lime Cordial 
The ring is beautiful, it depicts connection, union, friendship. A special bond.
But your text is even more beautiful, and very very touching.
a warm hug going your way, Celia…
Darling that is wonderful and such a gorgeous thing to do. I am really impressed. Beautiful. You will smile every time you wear it which makes remembering her a joyful thing. c
So sorry to hear about your loss. Sounds like the world’s loss, actually, as people who gift the gift of laughter are so needed. I wear my stepmum’s huge ring and think of her in the same way. Sending warmth.
So sorry for the loss of such a loved friend Celia. It sounds like you and Sarah enriched each others lives in a beautiful way. The ring is lovely, what a nice way of showing how much you valued Sarah and how much you loved her too. Beautiful.
Celia I’m so sorry for your loss. That is a wonderful story. You were very lucky to have such a special lady in your life and I hope that the ring makes you smile every time you remember her. x
Your post has rendered me to tears, the ring an outward symbol of somene so special and the hold she will have in your heart….gorgeous. This year my loss has been so great, my mother. I too wear a ring, one that was hers and it is a lovely outward reminder of someone so special. Peace and hugs to you. Nicki
Well expressed rememberances and a fine way to honour such a friend. Some lives touch ours to very great effect.
Bless you dearest. I am so sorry that you and Pete and the boys have lost such a dear person and I am very moved by your writing. xx
My condolences Celia. That’s a lovely way to honour Sarah.
Your post has been a timely reminder that life is precious. So sorry for your loss.
A lovely tribute, and a beautiful ring.
I’m so sorry for your loss, yours, Pete’s and the whole family’s.
The ring is beautiful, which sounds very fitting for your friend.
x
Sarah sounds like a very special person who will be missed by many. A nice tribute to her Celia. Hugs to you all in this time of sadness.
A good friend and a lovely story. If only we could all aspire to produce the same effects and emotions, in life and in remembrance, the world would be a much better place.
What a lovely tribute to someone who was clearly very important in your life, Celia. I wish you strength and happy memories at this difficult time.
Am so sorry for your loss. Sounds like you have lost an amazing friend. She will always be with you. The ring is a lovely way to honour her.
xx
Beautiful words for a beautiful lady Celia, I didn’t know her but feel like I do from the picture you painted with your words. Wear that ring warmly and she will always be with you.
Keri L x
Oh Celia, you made me cry.
It is hard to lose someone who is close to your heart and life.
I understand so well – I wear several pieces of jewelry that belonged to my sister in memory, as well.
Sending you love and prayers.
What a way to tribute someone. My John had a special brooch made from his mothers rings, we can both wear it.
What a wonderful tribute–both the ring and the post!
Such a beautiful post…sending many hugs your way!
A beautiful tribute, I wish you well to wear the ring. RIP Sarah.
Oh Celia and Pete, I am so very sorry for your loss. RIP Sarah.
I’m so sorry for your loss. It sounds as though she was a great person and a wonderful friend. It is such a lovely idea to hold onto your happy memories with such a beautiful tribute ring.
Such a beautiful tribute Celia! Such a beautiful ring to remember Sarah by and fashioned in such a way that it symbolises never ending love.
:-) Mandy
We are very sorry for your loss of Sarah. Your post was beautiful, Celia. I have a power ring too. It was my Grandmother’s and I wear it to think of her and put on an extra layer of protection against the world.
What lovely sentiments, expressed in a touching way. You have a lovely way with words, Celia.
A really moving tribute. Thinking of you Celia. The ring is such a good idea too.
I am so sorry for the loss of your friend Celia. Sounds like she was very special indeed. What a beautiful ring to bring wonderful memories of her kindness and love. I will keep you and your family in my prayers. Sending a big hug to you. xx
Oh Celia! I’m sorry that I never got to meet Sarah. She sounds like a gift. Sending good thoughts your way. Warm hugs to you, my friend.
Maz.
I am truly so sorry for your loss! But what a fabulous way to remember her. She must be loving such a fun and unique tribute to your sweet friendship.
KK
Another hug coming your way. The ring you chose reminds me of one of Sting’s lyrics…..
Round, like a circle in a spiral
Like a wheel within a wheel.
Never ending or beginning,
On an ever spinning wheel
Jenny
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family, Celia. The ring is a lovely gesture.
Celia that’s a beautiful ring to remember a beautiful friend.
xxx
Oh, Celia, my heart goes out to you. To lose someone so special well before their time is so heart-wrenching. My very best thoughts and good wishes go out to you and Pete. Take comfort whenever you wear your beautiful ring of friendship in the good times you all shared together. xx
A lovely tribute, Celia. It moved me to tears. Our prayers are with you at this difficult time.
blessings Celia, to you and your family. I can tell she will be missed HUGS Tandy
such a beautiful way to remember one so loved by you :) like others, the tribute brought a tear to my eye too.
What a lovely way to remember a special friend.
This made me cry. How sad it is to have left already at 53 . It makes you want to hug every one you know…………
Good bye, Sarah
Celia, that’s a lovely tribute to Sarah and to wear a ring for her is just such a good thing to do. It’s always sad to hear such news, but good to hear she had a life well lived.
The ring is stunning & what a wonderful tribute to your friend, Sarah!
A truly moving post. I am sorry for your loss. I will be thinking of you.
I am so sorry to hear about your friend and I think the ring is a great idea! Hugs to you!
I am so sorry for your loss. My best friend, Carlos, has cancer and I try to keep strong, but know he has a short time. What a wonderful idea about purchasing the ring.
I’m so sorry Celia…what a beautiful way to remember Sarah…she will always feel close for you when you wear this ring…Take care…sending a big hug to you through cyberspace xo
Thank you all for your kindness, and for taking the time to read about our friend Sarah. She was gorgeous; you would have loved her. xxx
Celia, ever since I heard of Sarah’s death I’ve been thinking about her family, not realizing that you, Pete and the boys are part of it. Thinking of you all and your sad loss. Thanks for reminding me too, that we always have to focus on the joy life brings in the midst of challenge and difficulty. Love to you and the boys.
Thanks Rob. xxx
This is a beautiful tribute and thing you did. I am sorry too for this beautiful lady of your friend. My prayers will be for her too. With my love, dear Celia,
nia