Reflections on life and its shortness

A friend of mine passed away yesterday. We weren't especially close, in fact, she was more friend of a friend. But it hit me hard. Right in the virtual solar plexus, like an unexpected punch.

E was my age. Evidently, she developed some sort of infection over the weekend and succumbed. (She was dealing with an autoimmune disease, but that was well managed). More sadly, she'd retired from nursing to care for her brother (who is in hospice) and her mother (who is in assisted living). Only it's her that died.

She was vital, full of life last time I saw her (ages ago). Strong, passionate, vibrant. She told amazing stories of her time spent in cardiac ICU. Of her troubled past. (Single mom). I based a lot of my character Bea on E.

Life is too damned short.

I am sad.