Reply #3: A similar thing happened to me... [View All]

[Madrone]

I lived next to an elderly woman for 6 or 7 years that I became very close to. I sort of took her on as family, as she had none and mine all live on the other side of the country. I got into some landlord issues, so I moved. She was tore up about me moving, although she was happy to see me get away from the asshole landlord. I kept telling myself after I moved that I needed to get over and visit her but always had some "reason" I didn't make it over. A month after I moved I found out she died. Worse, the last time I had any contact with her SHE called ME, telling me how much she missed me and "that dog" (she loved my pets) ... I told her I'd see her soon ... and I never did.

I know Helen would never in a million years want me to feel badly about not seeing her ... she knew how life could get busy, and she knew I loved her. She understood, and I KNOW she did. So while I feel bad that I didn't get to say goodbye, I do NOT feel guilty. I know that she knows ... and I know that she understands. I believe your friend knows how you feel and understands too. He isn't holding it against you, and he wouldn't want you to hold it against yourself either.

Peace.