My life will be very different without her

Naomi was my friend for 43 years. When she came to the Chicago area we became co-workers.  Soon we were much more than that. We cruised establishments on Rush St, attended art fairs, musical events, movies, and theater. One fond memory is a party in her Belmont Ave apartment where I met Jules and Joyce. We shared our past, hers in New Jersey and New York, mine in Chicago and overseas.  We stayed friends through all the changes in her life.  I remember fearing that I would lose that friendship when she married George, when she became a “married lady”.  It did not happen.

We took a trip to New Orleans, enjoying jazz and cuisine.

We saw each other often over the years, sharing personal and cultural experiences.

Although she was younger than I, and new to Chicago, compared to me, she frequently took the lead. She found places, knew how to get to them, and was willing to drive long distances.

My life will be very different without her.  As I came out of a movie Sunday, I found myself sharing my opinion of it with her, as I always did. When will I stop doing that?

One thing I soon learned about Naomi, once you were her friend, she kept you close. She accepted you, warts and all. May I learn from her and do likewise.

Stella Brando