Sarah Allen - Memory

Marianne, I miss you my dear friend and celebrate everything about you one year to the day that you took flight.

The sun had not even set on our first day at Stanford before we had become fast friends, later roommates and sorority sisters...So many adventures, so few rules...You'd get up at the crack of dawn, go row across some water, come back, maybe go to a class...eventually finding yourself back in your nightgown for a mid day nap. Your MO was to laugh first and ask questions later. Thank God social media wasn't invented yet because 40 years later, I still don't think I've ever met anyone who was as gifted at getting into trouble as she was at getting out of it. I was there when you met that kid, Albert, and then further away when you two had kids of your own. It was a blessing to find our way back together last year, to meet the fine young men your boys had become, to meet little Jay, to see Albert, albeit annoyingly youthful still, so devoted and both of you just so great to be with. Like old times.
It was such an honor to spend your last few weeks by your and Albert's side.
You glowed, you entertained, you knew exactly what you needed, and you took the fight to the C to the end and it didn't stop you from going to Venice...Marianne, to witness your gratitude at making it to Costco that one last time so you could buy Christmas presents....was to remind me to treasure the small moments, that in the end, that's really all there is.

While I'm not sure exactly "where" you are at this moment, like I said then as I was leaving, and you were sleeping (but I know you heard me:) that I fully expect you to meet me, when it's my turn, margarita tray in hand with the full run down on exactly how this next phase works...Cuz we all know, you'll have the lay of the land and angels on speed dial.

Until then,

I love you Mar,
Sarah