Connie

A little while ago, I found out that our friend, Connie, had passed away at age 69. I first met her 10 1/2 years ago when I first started dating Rob. They had lived near each other for over 10 years at that point, and she was close to Rob, his mom, and especially his dad, who had passed away a year before we met.
Connie was a character. She was short, and outspoken, and told things like it was. She was also very giving of herself, her advice, and anything else you needed, though she had a very limited income.
She was married a couple of times. The only husband of hers I ever knew was Clark. The two of them were meant for each other and complemented each other very well.
She was a unique lady. She believed strongly in spirits and believed they were all around us. She talked to them and they talked to her. She made me believe that those who pass on never truly leave us.
She was outgoing, yet very miserable in social situations. She did not like crowds in the least.
She was a family woman. She loved her kids, but also her grandkids and her great-grandkids. I don't know that she was the first, but Victoria was her favorite. Victoria was born June 7, 2001, a year after I met Rob. She was our little girl and always had a special place in our hearts. Her mom was young and not around a lot her first year, so Rob and I spent a lot of time over at Connie's playing with Victoria. We would take her places and hang out with her on a pretty much constant basis.
After Ryan was born, I didn't see Connie or Victoria as much. I'm sad I wasn't there to see her grow. I see her every once in a while and she is growing in to a beautiful young lady. Connie was so proud of her and always showing me her report card and telling me about awards she had won. I worry about Victoria and what the loss of her 'granny' will do to her.
Though I haven't been close to Connie in over 5 years, I am deeply saddened by her death. We all knew it was coming, she was sick for a long time and always had health issues. Though, she was one of those people that you thought would never go because she had cheated death so many times before.
I am sad, and I miss her and the thought of never seeing her again.
Connie, thank you. I miss you. I love you. I will keep an eye on Victoria, and I know you will do the same. Come around and visit, but for goodness sakes, don't scare me, ok? :)
Roma