My good friend, a great Democrat, died on Friday the 13th

[AlFrankenFan]

My mother just phoned me from walking home and told me the news. I am completely devastated. My friend, Marlyn - a mother, a wife, a Democratic activist, died Friday the 13th of a brain aneurysm.

I first met her when I was working out in a fitness place for women called 30 Minute Fitness a few months back. She was talking to my other friend, Kandi, about politics, and I couldn't help but join in. Our friendship grew from there and every time we met in the fitness place we would chat about politics. She recently got to meet Teresa in New Orleans, and had even brought a Kerry button back for me. The last time I saw her was late July, right before the convention. We didn't get to talk much, but we were both thrilled about Kerry picking Edwards as his VP. She wanted nothing more than for Bush to get out of the White House, and I am so devastated she didn't get to live to see it happen.

I guess I've learned at 14 I need to enjoy life more, and live every day as if it was my last. Marlyn was only in her early forties, and to everyone's knowledge had been fine up until last Friday. I regret being in Vegas and not getting to be with her one last time at the workout place.

I really miss her already and I can't stop crying no matter how hard I try. And I have to go to band camp within the hour and I don't know how I'll be able to hold it in. :cry:

God Bless you Marlyn, and rest in peace. I'll do whatever I can within my power to make your wish come true.

[Lavender Brown]

1. I'm sorry for the loss of your friend.

:(

[AlFrankenFan]

4. Thanks

:hug:

[ET Awful]

2. I'm sorry to hear it :(

:cry:

It's always tough to lose a friend, especially suddenly and unexpectedly. I'm sending lots of positive energy your way. :hug:

[AlFrankenFan]

5. Thank you

:hug:

[sonias]

3. I'm sorry for your loss

Marlyn sounded like a wonderful woman. May she rest in peace. I am glad you did know her though. There is nothing wrong with crying, go ahead and let yourself grieve for her. We will all honor her memory by making her wish come true.

:grouphug:

Sonia

[AlFrankenFan]

6. thanks

:hug: I almost cried during marching several times...it just keeps striking me that I'll never see her alive again and I guess that's just what gets me.

[roguevalley]

7. I'm sorry, honey. As long as you remember her, she lives. Remember that.

[AlFrankenFan]

10. Good advice, thanks

:hug:

[GoddessOfGuinness]

8. I'm so sorry for your loss...

Don't try to hold it in too much. It's bad for your health. It's as important to grieve for our friends and acquaintances as it is to grieve for our immediate family.

Band camp can help you...I know my violin helps me express my deepest sorrows and greatest joys when words fail. Let your instrument be your dear friend through this time of mourning.

:hug:

[AlFrankenFan]

9. Thanks

I have to admit holding my arms up in the "set" position while marching was a lot less painful because I had so much else on my mind. I just hope when I break out my sax tonight I don't get yelled at hehehe

:hug:

[PittPoliSci]

11. so sorry to hear that...

(((HUGS!!))

[AlFrankenFan]

15. hugs, thank you :)

n/t

[LiberalManiacfromOC]

12. I'm so sorry Samantha

Stay strong; I know you are. There's nothing wrong with crying though (;))

:hug:

[AlFrankenFan]

14. Nothin' at all

:hug: Thanks. If you remember she's the one I always went to meet with. It won't be the same without her :cry:

[Rhiannon12866]

13. I am so sorry. She was far too young

How great to meet someone who inspires you and how terrible to suddenly lose her. I am also so sorry that she won't be here to vote and experience victory in November. I also had a friend who inspired me. He was a true liberal, working for integration in the '60s and for Bill Clinton in the '90s. He taught me a lot. He died five years ago at 101! You never know. Just cherish these memories and what you learned from her. At 14, this is a lot, but I can tell that she made a big impression. And I am impressed with the depth of your commitment. At 14, I just knew who was president and that's about it, so you have a great head start. I am an Al Franken fan, as well. And, yes, try to get inspiration from her influence and work to make her dreams come true. This is one way of having her live on, through you and others that she inspired.;(

[AlFrankenFan]

16. thanks, I will

:hug: