Saying Farewell...

 

Charlane K. Griffith

July 17, 1957 - June 6, 2011

 

I just found out.  Today. 

I’m still trying to take it in.

For those of you who knew Char, her writing…her photography...

you’ll know what I mean.

Char was always open. 

She didn’t hide her fears and insecurities…

she was honest like that.

She always had an encouraging word...or two or ten...

and took the time to scatter them around the internet

like the petals of the beautiful flowers she loved to photograph.

Char brought so many of us together

(and called it, appropriately…Lens Us Together)

I was fortunate to be gathered into that fold

and though most of us never met her “in person”,

she has friends all over the world

who hold her next to their heart.

Someone like Char is to be cherished.

Always.

 

Thank you for all you’ve given us Char…

You will be so dearly missed.

 

(On June 6th…the day Charlane died, although I didn't know that then…I came upstairs to find this rainbow shining on my wall…it was stunningly bright and beautiful.  In Buddhism there is the concept of the "rainbow body", which is considered to be the penultimate transitional state in which matter begins to be transformed into pure light.  It seemed appropriate to post it in memory of her. 

 Last Valentines day, I directed my readers to her blog to read a beautiful love letter that she had written to herself.  It touched me deeply then…and now, well now it leaves me feeling beyond words with it’s wisdom.)

Comments

[Olivia]

I"m so sorry kate for the loss of your friend. It sounds like her death was unexpected, which to me even makes it harder...I mean unexpected to her. It always feels odd to read someone's words after they've passed, yet it is a way to still be with them...We were born a few weeks apart, and although I didn't know her, I felt such a loss of a beautiful person at a relatively young age. Again I am so sorry, Olivia

[Mandy]

Wow. What a beautiful post. I didn't even know about her photography blog world of Lens Us Together, I knew her from Myspace as another blogger and dear friend. I'm glad (and not surprised) she touched so many lives.

[Ruth]

Kate, I am so sorry for the loss of your friend, Char. Thinking about you and all those she touched. Sending you love, Ruth.

[kamana]

she was a lovely lovely person. so very encouraging and inspiring.

[beth]

she will be missed by so many of us....thank you for your tribute to her !

[Patti]

I love that she pointed out the weird relationship between strength and weakness. Sorry such a soul had to leave us so soon.

[Betty Jo]

Kate I didn't know Char; and wish I had. I've just been reading her writing and love it. I'm sure she touched many hearts, and will be terribly missed.

[ELK]

kate ..a beautiful tribute to a very special lady ..blessings

[martie]

Oh Kate, how sad! It sounds as if you and many around the world will miss her, and what a blessed life she must have had to have touched so many.

[Kate]

I can't believe that I never read her valentine's post. This is a lovely tribute, Kate. Char will be missed.

~ another Kate

[Stephanie]

Kate,
My heart got tight as I read this and as I went off and read Char's work. I am so sorry...I didn't know her but can tell what a wonderful person she was and that she will be sorely missed.

much love,
steph

[Serena]

I'm so sorry to hear of your friend's passing, Kate. I never knew Char but she obviously touched many hearts and will surely be missed. Your post, in her honour, is beautiful!

Love, light and peace,
Serena xo

[jaime]

This is what happens when you disappear from blogging for too long. I only found out a couple of weeks ago, when I was at Long Beach. I walked the beach for her. I kept her in my heart that day. She will be so dearly missed.