Catherine...

Late tonight I received this e-mail from Catherine in Madrid, Spain:

Dearest friend,

I have been so saddened by your recent blog posts concerning your upcoming anniversary. I feel the weight of your loss and the shattering of your heart.

I too cried with you and for you as I read the words you have written so many many miles from where I am. Madrid has been dreary and your words only compound my anguish and listlessness.

I so wish I could be next to you during these moments of hurt and remembrance. To hold your hand and wipe the tears from your cheeks – you do know how much I love you. I hope you do…

I saw on your Facebook that you now finally have your passport. When, not if you travel to Europe this spring I will meet you in Paris. We will watch the sun set over Paris while drinking in a café. You can read Hemingway to me; it will be wonderful, beautiful!

Maybe, we will drink all night and then wait for the same sun to rise in the morning. Can you make it till spring - through the long dark cold Minnesota winter? Spring will warm your heart my friend. It will. I promise.

I must tell you that when I read your 2010 reflections I was curious as to who told you that you are such a good kisser? I thought we had no secrets. Remember?

Take your time with your heart, let life happen, enjoy the journey and know I really love you.

You are a dear friend.

Please be ok. I am going to bed now – it is late here in Spain. I hope your start to sleep well, I will hold you while you sleep someday and protect you from all your fears. You will be ok till spring – I know you will.

Think of me when the darkness comes…I love you…

Please don’t stay stuck Chris, unsettled, you don’t have to – you are free. Know this, if you know anything…my love has freed you. You are more than all your hurt and you will know love again…

Love you,

Catherine