“Sudden loss remind us 
to cherish each day.” 
Jamie Anderson

My cousin, Debbie, and I have been meeting for lunch once a month for the past couple of years. Each month, we pick a different restaurant somewhere between San Francisco and San José. Last month, we enjoyed a meal at the Alpine Inn, located in Portola Valley. Tomorrow we were going to meet at the Pilot Light Café at the Half Moon Bay airport. I had checked the online menu and already knew exactly what I was going to order.

I was completely caught off-guard last night when I learned that Debbie passed away unexpectedly late Saturday night.

Yesterday was a strange day. I woke up at 9:30 a.m., much later than usual. I got up and went through the motions of my day. For some reason, however, I couldn’t find the motivation to get dressed and do anything. After doing a little writing, I sat in the chair in my home office and fell asleep for almost two hours. Still in my pajamas, I got up, had a bite to eat, and spent some time working on advertising for my friend Pat’s newly-published book. After a brief visit by the grandkids, I found myself back in my office, in my chair, napping again. When I woke up, it was time for dinner, and I was still in my pajamas. I felt fine physically, but I was in a bit of a funk which I couldn’t understand… until I got the news. 

Is it possible that I could, in some strange way, have sensed that Debbie had died? That would certainly explain the feeling of emptiness and the lack of motivation I felt throughout the day. I don’t understand it, but just maybe that’s what was going on with me.

Despite all the extra sleep I got yesterday, I slept soundly for nine hours last night. Except for the obvious sense of loss, I feel good today. I decided to drive up to my happy place — Java Beach Café in The City. The sun is shining brightly with a gentle breeze coming from the east, so the temperature here at noon time is about 75º. I’ll spend a good part of today walking along the beach at Sunset Dunes Park and, perhaps, through other areas of The City, as well. 

Debbie will be missed. Her laughter, love, and light will be forever etched into my memory.