Archetype's Journal

You are not death.

You are not the tears anyone cries.

You are not the emptiness they feel.

You are not the mourning.

You are not the shroud on your coffin.

You are not the flowers at your feet.

You are not the stone at your grave.

You are not the dirt you lie in.

You are not the ideology we ponder.

You are not an angel or a ghost.

You are my friend.

I didn't see you for months, perhaps even a year. Time escapes us and I never knew you properly outside of work. I do not believe I will ever be able to truly claim I knew who you were. You are none of these things. You are no negativity.

What you were, what you are to me is a lovely memory of a lovely lady. You showed me how to do my job. I felt for you when your husband died even if I didn't understand. I always saw how much you took care of everybody, your son and he both when he was alive. You looked after Theresa and you made sure I knew you were looking out for me even though I'd just met you. I wish I hadn't been so hurt back then. Even if you were only a small part of my life I wish I'd appreciated you more. You have no regrets in my mind. You were kind, you were loving and you were sincere. I still tap my bottles to make sure they don't explode (although it doesn't always work) and I still remember you and Theresa laughing and calling each other two fat ladies. I want to be as dedicated to my family as you. I want to be as loyal. I want to be as fondly remembered. I envy you your legacy and am sorry for your death.

I cried for you. There are far worse people in the world and far few better that I know who would be so kind to a person they barely knew. When you left I continued to ask Phil how you were and always sent my best. You always offered to buy me a drink and I always served you Straitcut lemon.

These are memories of a person who worked with you and knew you in work only for about a year. These are the sentiments of a person whose life will not change with this knowledge but for the time will be a little more sad.

I have nothing but good strong memories of you, Beryl. I can't even recall your second name. You touched me ever so slightly and I always thought of you. I'm thinking of you now. If this is all I have to say, the good you did those closest will keep you alive for infinity. Be with them just a little longer. Then go with meet your husband, be young again and sleep happily ever after.

All good deeds rewarded and all wishes of you home. You were loved, I'm sure.

For my friend and co-worker Beryl died 12/01/09

From a girl who barely knew her. Imagine what her family are feeling and please send your thoughts to them x