by Renaissance Girl

I met a new friend about 6 months ago.  She wasn’t someone I would normally cross paths with, but there she was — to become an intimate part of my life for the next 6 months. We had a lot in common, and our first chats were easy. But as it turned out, we had some things that were quite different, and the chats got more personal and challenging. We talked and worked and moved together, walked through history over and over, each time with a new result, or more questions. I realized along the way, that I couldn’t imagine my life not having met her. I had the chance these past two weekends to tell her story. She went from being a character on paper, to being a real flesh and blood person — my flesh and blood.  We talked a lot, and for the last time last night, I let her story tumble out for whoever was at the performance of the play to hear it.  Her youth and heartbreak, patience and sadness, love for the child she raised and the heart-wrenching sacrifice of giving her up. Last night I had to say good-bye and I have an ache inside me this morning. She was a “good friend.” She cried with me, laughed with me, and laid a challenge before me with her final words which I hope I can learn to live: “We all have things we think we need, when really we don’t.” Thank you Marta.  I hope we will meet again.