| Mom's Memorial Service |
| Continued |
| One of my mother's closest friends, Nerina, came to my sisters and I on the morning of the services and handed us a letter. The letter had thoughts she had jotted down about her feelings of my mother's passing and wanted us to know how she felt. When we read it, it was so moving, we asked Nerina if she would read it as eulogy at the services that very morning. She was surprised that we had felt so strongly about it, but said she wouldn't be able to bring herself to the microphone and deliver it. My sister's asked me if I would read it if Nerina gave us her blessing. She did. |
| My friend died yesterday. We worked together for sixteen or seventeen years. But we've been friends for much longer. To know Dolly was to know compassion. She wept easily when she witnessed an injustice. Whether it was directed at those she knew or at total strangers. She wept easily for those who suffered pain and for those who suffered despair. My friend died yesterday. We drank tons of coffee together, ate chocolate, and talked. We laughed so much and so freely. To know Dolly was to know laughter. She was readily disposed to see humor in situations ordinary. She adored Eddie, who kept her forever smiling, because he adored her too. My friend died yesterday. We tied up our phones for hours - before call waiting - we had so much to say. To know Dolly was to know her family. Doreen-and-Chuck (one word), Nancy-and-Richard (one word), Carol (also one word), the grand-kids, her mom and brother, and always Eddie. There was no mistaking the affection. To quote Dolly, 'You could feel it. You could see it'. My friend died yesterday. We were true friends. To know Dolly was to know loyalty, concern, and kindness. Just the other day, Lynn, who is preparing for the birth of her third child, took out the baby blanket Dolly made for her when James was born. It was as exquisite as the day Dolly finished it. The 'new one' will be the third of my grand-babies to experience the warmth of Dolly's kindness. My friend died yesterday. Not once did we have harsh words for each other. We may not have agreed on ever yissue we discussed, but the admiration for each other and the respect for each other's views were key to our friendship. How I will miss her. The tears keep streaming down my face. My friend died yesterday. Nerina Benanti September 14, 2000 |
| By Nerina Benanti |