45 Comments
User's avatar
Susanna Musser's avatar

The words you wrote to her made my throat close up and my soul ache.

Manuela Thames's avatar

❤️

Donn Dobkin's avatar

This is beautiful.

Paul Jenkin's avatar

These things are terrible to bear and I'm sorry for your loss. I can't remember the quote precisely but I once heard someone say something along the lines of "don't grieve for their loss, be grateful that they were in your life for as long as they were".

Manuela Thames's avatar

Thank you! Yes, that I am.

Erica A. Wheadon's avatar

Oh, Manuela, I am so, so sorry. xx

Manuela Thames's avatar

Thanks, dear Erica!

James Hider's avatar

So sorry for your loss Manuela - and what outstanding, evocative images!

Manuela Thames's avatar

Thank you! I appreciate you saying so.

Reckonings's avatar

A beautiful tribute to a beautiful friend. I’m so sorry for your loss and for the loss her family and friends have to endure. May there be peace and love to all.

Manuela Thames's avatar

Thanks so much Susan!

Reckonings's avatar

A beautiful tribute to a beautiful friend. I’m so sorry for your loss and for the loss of her family and friends. May there be peace and love

Manuela Thames's avatar

Thank you, Susan!

Sarah Keidel's avatar

Sorry for your loss. That is so hard! Hold on to your memories with her. Praying for you!

Manuela Thames's avatar

Thanks, Sarah!

Lin Gregory's avatar

This is such a beautiful, heartfelt tribute to your friendship Manuela - I'm so sorry for your loss.

Manuela Thames's avatar

Thanks so much, Lin! She was truly a unique person.

Susanne Helmert's avatar

I am very sorry you’ve lost your friend, Manuela! She sounded like a wonderful and admirable human being. What a wonderful friendship you must have had. May she have peace now. Sending you a big hug!

Manuela Thames's avatar

Thanks, Susanne!

She really was.

Ellen Zimmerman's avatar

So sorry for you loss, Manuela. What a beautiful description of what loss of a friend feels like - and how it echoes (and echoes and echoes) with memories. And what a powerful reminder for us to be that kind of friend to those in our circle. May her memory be an eternal blessing.

Manuela Thames's avatar

Thank you so much, Ellen!

Todd Haughton's avatar

So sorry for your loss, Manuela. Take care 🙏

Manuela Thames's avatar

Thanks, Todd!

Juliette Mansour's avatar

Oh Manuela, I’m so sorry to hear about this loss. From what you describe there will never be a friend who comes close to matching such amazing traits and I believe that’s the hard part. It’s so hard to find people in our lives who get us and can resonate and hold a light for us as well. I’m so sorry to hear and we are here to provide gentle encouragement when needed. Sending a big warm hug to you. This has been a tough year for you. But I know that you have a long, genetic history of strength and survivorship! Meanwhile, I’ll host your grief in my thoughts. 🙏💜

Manuela Thames's avatar

I was very reluctant about sharing this. However, my Substack is all about what makes us human. Loss and grief is part of it.

My sincere intention with this is to honor my friend’s life, because one thing about grief is that you want to shout out to the world that this person mattered, so that ultimately made me click the send button.

Thanks for your kind words! And you are so right, it is so hard to find friends that truly get us and that simply let you be who you are.

Juliette Mansour's avatar

💜 here for you

Shital Morjaria (she/her)'s avatar

Sorry for your loss Manuela. Do take care.

Manuela Thames's avatar

Thank you! I will. It has been an expected loss, but her life is worth remembering and that's why I shared it.

KewtieBird’s Photo Journey's avatar

I’m so sorry. 💜🥺

Kathryn Vercillo's avatar

Sending love around your loss. Beautiful words.