One Fewer Adventurous Spirit in the World

I hadn't posted in two weeks so I was planning to write a bit of an update today. But unfortunately I learned a few hours ago that a very close friend of mine has passed away, so I wanted to honour her memory instead.

Lynn and I became friends when we lived in the same L.A. apartment complex twenty years ago. She looked like the ultimate California girl—tall, long blond hair, gorgeous smile. But she was so much more than a stereotype.

Although she died far too young (she was only 54), Lynn packed a lot of life into those years. She loved to travel (we went to Australia, New Zealand, and Thailand together in the early 90s, which is where the picture above is from). When I last saw her in mid-September, she had recently returned from a 3-week trip to Europe and she looked healthier and happier than I had seen her in a long time. She was in really high spirits, grateful that she'd had this wonderful opportunity before her life changed dramatically.

Lynn had been suffering from polycystic kidney disease for the last several years. She had just been put on the transplant list, but the wait was expected to be 5-7 years. She wasn't on dialysis yet, but knew it could happen any time, which would have meant the end to any kind of exotic adventures. I mistakenly thought that she would slowly decline until the point she would have to go on dialysis, but apparently the kidneys can just shut down at any time and it's also possible to have a heart attack if other things are going wrong. So here's my PSA to please, please, please sign your donor card (and let your family know that you want to be a donor) if you haven't already.

When she wasn't off exploring the world, Lynn taught ESL at an adult high school. She adored her work. In recent years, she had taken on the role of technology coordinator at her school and was really excited to find new ways to help her students learn.

She loved all kinds of animals, but especially birds. Her baby was a gorgeous parrot named Chico. He's gone back to the center where she adopted him so they can find him another loving home.

Lynn's family plans to scatter her ashes out into the ocean. I can't think of a more fitting final resting place for her.

I've lost a wonderful friend, who was always supportive of me during both the good and bad times. I won't be able to attend the memorial service next weekend but I know Lynn would be happy to know the reason: I'm going to a conference on wildlife rehabilitation. I also know I'll be thinking of her, though, both before and long after the service.

Rest in peace, Lynn.

Comments

[Anne Murphy]

I'm so sorry to hear about the passing of your friend. What a wonderful tribute to her.

[Toni]

Oh, Elizabeth, I'm so sorry for your loss. What a lovely tribute to a lovely woman. I hope Chico finds a loving home, too; birds bond to their owners and I'm betting he's heartbroken, too. sniff-sniff.

[Jen Berkley]

Elizabeth-

I'm behind on your blog and just saw this...how very sad...and, with my own 'single kidney' status, I second your plea for everyone to consider organ donation to increase the pool of possible matches for ANYone who finds themselves so suddenly in organ crisis.

I'm so sorry to hear about Lynn's sudden death and am so glad that you were both able to have some great adventures together!

[Marion Hilliard]

Liz- I was just stumbling through my computer doing some clean up and came across your Blog. I am so sorry to hear of Lynn's passing. She was so full of life and always a ray of sunshine. Someone who lived her life to the fullest. I am sure you miss her friendship, but thankful for the times you had. Marion

[Elizabeth]

Thanks for the kind words, Marion. It's still hard to believe someone so full of life could be gone. Fortunately, I have many wonderful memories of Lynn and the times we spent together.