I didn't know her very well.
Hardly at all in fact.
I knew her name and that she was a tenor in our choir
and I knew she laughed long and often at things I too found funny.
I didn't know anything else about her
was she married? did she have children? I wasn't sure
she had a dog called Charlie that much I did know.
a hairy long legged thing that moved slowly
and in lockdown I saw only her on camera during our zoom sings.
Her living room looked cosy
but I knew nothing of her job, her friends and her life.
Choir is like that
you turn up and generally you JUST sing.
Lyndy died a few days ago "after a short illness"
Her son posted the news on her facebook page.
and I will miss her, even though I did not know her.
During Lockdown when Charlie lugubriously appeared on screen.
I would call out like some demonic Victoria Wood fan "I can see your Charlie "
and she would crack a crooked smile of recognition at the double entendre
a silly joke at a very bad time
and I will always be grateful for her ability to play along with it
Your lovely story of remembrance is such a kind tribute to Lyndy. I'm glad you wrote about her and shared with us.
ReplyDeleteRIP Lyndy. Things can change in an instant and maybe it is best we do not know the future. Live life to the fullest as tomorrow is sometimes unknown.
ReplyDeleteIt is a bit sad to see distant acquaintances as well as lifelong friends succumb. Unfortunately (or fortunately, as the case may be) the Reaper awaits us all.
ReplyDeleteWith your double-entendres you are the Frankie Howerd of North Wales! But Lyndy took it all in good heart and had a giggle with you.
ReplyDeleteAs always a heartfelt post. I belong to a book club with many members and some only come occasionally. We have received news such as this and even though we don’t have contact outside of our regular meeting, we do have a connection so I know how that feels when sad news arrives. Jackie
ReplyDeleteYour giving her a reason to smile was among the final gifts she received, John, I hope knowing that
ReplyDeletehelps you smile whenever you remember her, Mary
Even if you didn't know Lyndy very well, you have still written a charming tribute to her and made us feel her loss as well.
ReplyDeleteA nice tribute.
ReplyDeleteGrief is like that, even for people we didn't know especially well but will miss, nevertheless.
ReplyDeleteSometimes I think the loss of an acquaintance is even more sad than the ones we love. So much remains unknown.
ReplyDeleteEven those whose lives we barely touch still remind us of our mortality, and how we share our lives. Music brings people together so powerfully and that you will be feeling her loss particularly.
ReplyDeleteA beautiful gentle tribute. Made even more affecting by the distance between you and the honest regret despite that.
ReplyDeleteMy condolences to you and all Lyndy's family and friends. Thank you for sharing her with us. xx
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear that. Even though you didn't know her well you shared laughs together and a glimpse of each other's lives.
ReplyDeleteSometimes the disappearance of people we knew superficially from our lives leaves a hole that will never be filled. You made a touching tribute to her memory.
ReplyDeleteLovely obit from a lovely man - I expect your little contacts made her smile John. Every smile is a plus.
ReplyDeleteBeautifully written.
ReplyDeleteWe expect that the people who make up the building blocks of our support systems to always be there. It always comes as a shock when they're not, even if we didn't know them that well. Something that sadly seems to happen more often the older we get.
ReplyDeleteA lovely tribute to what sounds like a lovely lady. It's nice to be remembered for the little moments of joy and laughter you brought to someone's life isn't it. xx
ReplyDeleteIt is always a bit jarring when someone we kinda know, dies, and we wonder?
ReplyDeleteLyndy and Charlie will be reunited again I'm certain xx 🌄
ReplyDeleteLovely tribute and lovely comments above.
ReplyDeleteAlison in Wales x
Sad to lose a friend even a virtual one
ReplyDeleteShe was a part of your life, a piece of the whole.
ReplyDeleteYou had a connection through your choir and your joking, John. Such a sweet story about Lyndy.
ReplyDeleteIt's always a shock to hear such news.
ReplyDeleteIt is always sad to lose a friend who is part of your life, not close, but Lyndy's presence and contribution will be missed.
ReplyDeleteBeautifully written, John.
Hugs!
Such lovely words of a friend lost. XXXX
ReplyDeleteThere seems there's a lot of dying going on among my friends and acquaintances. That's a helluva way to end a year.
ReplyDeleteI love this. She would be happy to be remembered so, I am sure. It tickled her to play along , I bet.
ReplyDeleteA fitting tribute.
ReplyDelete