Friends are the superheroes of life. Their powers are more subtle than Superman, but no less dynamic. They possess the ability to make us laugh in times of sadness, listen in ways that make us feel important, help us see (and appreciate!) the brilliant absurdities of life, and feel connected to something bigger than ourselves.

This month I lost one of my heroines. She departed as mythically as she lived. She was a light in the world; enchanting all she met with her grace, warmth and humor. We were college roomates and friends for twenty-two years. As I try to comprehend the loss, I ask myself "what would Carrie do?" She always knew the perfect thing to say... a balance between pragmatic wisdom, and wit. How do we get through this in a meaningful way? I feel awkward and raw.

In the weeks that have passed, I have been comforted by the show of support for her family, the reunion of old friends, and our capacity for love and humor in the face of grief. There have been some breathtakingly beautiful moments. Our journey is just beginning; we will ache for a long time. In the meantime, I will strive to meet each day with an open heart, practice kindness with myself (and others), and keep looking for the delighfully wacky in life.

Goodbye, my friend.