FEMINIST FRIDAY – Celebrating Ginny

By Bernadette

“We can have feminist icons, but the real heroines are just quietly doing what is needed”  Osyth

 

Thirty eight years ago when my oldest son started kindergarten, I met a group of women who have become my lifelong friends and companions on this journey of life.  One of these women is my dear friend, Ginny.

Ginny was the driving force that made possible these lifelong friendships.  When our children were in the eighth grade and soon to go all different high schools, Ginny put together our lunch group.  For 30 years we have gotten together once a month to laugh and cry and to keep in touch with each others lives. During those 30 years our group suffered enormous losses.  We lost husbands, children and friends.  We were the very best medicine for each other.   Because after each tragedy, we taught each other the lesson that it was alright to continue to laugh and live.   We could not and would not have stayed together except for Ginny.  She kept in touch with all of us and made sure that we met once a month to celebrate someone’s birthday.  She  had many troubles in her life but she always remained optimistic and no matter what was going on in her life would be concerned about my life.  She was our fearless and much loved lunch leader.

My dear, brave friend lost her battle to cancer last week.  She leaves a hole in my life that cannot be filled.  I will forever miss hearing her say,   “And how are you honey and where do you think we should meet for lunch.”  The following quote from Audrey Hepburn was Ginny’s credo:  “THE BEST THING TO HOLD ONTO IN THIS LIFE IS EACH OTHER.”  

GINNY YOU ROCK!

 

Please feel free to share in the comments section a link to a story about an inspiring woman in your life.

About Bernadette

I live in the small town of Haddonfield, NJ. I am at an age in my life when I seem to spend time thinking and musing about life. These musings are usually stimulated by my walks through Haddonfield, my reading of books and fellow bloggers, and my interaction with my group of fabulous family and friends.

39 Responses

  4. Osyth

    I have had this lady in my mind since you told me your sad news at the weekend – now through your touching and beautiful tribute to a real heroine, I know her name, can see her face, have a real idea of the tremendous and irreplaceable value she brought to those whose lives she touched. I have no doubt she is shining where she is, that she will never ever be forgotten and that the cavernous space she leaves cannot be filled. You generously quote my words at the start of your beautifully and touching tribute. As you know the words were written for another woman who rocked and passed far too soon. Go softly, dear Bernadette x

    https://osyth.org/2018/01/08/coup-de-coeur-part-nine-and-dont-be-afraid-of-the-dark/

    Liked by 3 people

      1. Osyth

        My heart reaches up with that prayer. I also hope that this year we can sit together, drink a glass and celebrate those that we have loved who have passed too soon and the great joy of finding such kindred spirit each to the other. In every dark place there is light 🌄

        Liked by 1 person

  11. delphini510

    Dear Bernadette, to loose such a strong and loving friend is a huge heart wrenching moment. Ginny, who was there, organising, caring, at the end of a phone line. One can’t lose someone like that without tears and grief. Bless you.
    May your heart heal again and your smile come back.
    miriam

    Liked by 1 person

  12. Elizabeth

    I think at our age the loss of friends cuts deeper than we ever could have imagined when we were young. I lost my sister this summer and lost one of the very few people in my life who had known me since “forever.” Ironically it is my first husband, divorced since 1978, who knew me “back when.” My closest friend got early onset Alzheimers at 58 and disappeared taking my college memories with her. We still crave intimates, even if we have to start from scratch with new friends, recognizing that there is no way to replace the ones we lost.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Bernadette

      Elizabeth, you have very wisely summed up one of the hardest components of losing people you love – you lose a piece of your history when they are gone. We know each person in a special way and when they are gone they take the special way they knew us with them.

      Liked by 1 person

  13. Peggy kulmie

    So sorry to hear of the loss of your friend Genny. Reading your post I can say she was a dear friend the kind we all need in our life. My condolences goes out to you, her family, and all friends. I am sure she will be missed by many.

    Liked by 1 person

  19. Elizabeth Wallace

    Bernadette, thanks for writing this beautiful tribute to Ginny. Your love for her and the deep loss you’ve suffered are so well articulated through your words. Coincidentally, Ginny passed away on the first anniversary of my dear friend Annette’s passing. On that day I sent her husband Rick the following quote. He and I both find comfort in it. And knowing that you are a meditator also, I share it with you with the hope that you may find comfort too.

    “When you lose a dear one, meditate. The vibration of love reaches out beyond this finite world and touches that soul, wherever she is.” Sri Daya Mata

    Liked by 1 person

  22. Maria Holm

    She will be missed very deeply. So sorry for your loss. To have such a good reputation as she has must be appreciated by her family. She has sown good things into the lifes of friends and family and will be remembered for that

    Liked by 1 person

  24. Annika Perry

    Bernadette, your post has stayed with me since reading and the light and strength of Ginny shines out. Her loss has left a huge hole in your lives but what an amazing person to have known and been close to…such are gifts for the soul to be treasured forever. I am so deeply sorry for your loss of this ‘real heroine’ (

    Liked by 1 person

  25. Virginia

    So sorry, Bernadette, about Ginny. She sounds like an amazing woman & friend. What a treasure, to have such a steadfast friend like her! May the legacy of her friendship continue, well-remembered, in hearts & lives she touched. 🌟💜🙏💜🌟

    Like

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