Sundance has gone.
My fiend Sheila has passed. I have known her since 1975 when we first began teaching together. Over many years, through ups and downs, she was always there. We had many different adventures in many places. It was never dull.
My Mama considered her to be a part of the family and called her 'her other daughter.' She nicknamed her Little Shorty because of her height or lack thereof. Over the years she met many of my relatives and we had a lot of escapades along with my cousin Sarah. When I was wandering around which was often, Sheila was always in touch with Mama.
As I said, Sheila, Sarah and I were often together. That probably scares you although a bit late now. She went to my brother's home a lot with me over the years. She probably has been there more than a lot of people.
Another interesting moment occurred when I went to mass with Sheila in DC. She was a devout Catholic who spent time working for various church organizations to help others. She had been attending meetings of some sort and I picked her up to take her to the airport.She wanted to go to St.Matthew's Cathedral for the early service so off we went. It was a very cold day in January and we had on hats and big ol' coats.
I had often attended mass with Sheila in different places. I am respectful and I find all of it interesting. St.Matthew's is a beautiful place and looking at everything in it was a treat. We were sitting in the back and before the mass began, a very elegantly attired lady approached us. She asked if we would like to 'present the gifts.' I cut my eyes and thought "You have got to be kidding me. Imma be in the middle of a mass." However, I would follow her lead. She shook her head and thanked the lady. After the service I told her they picked us because they thought we were homeless.
As with her devotion to her faith, Sheila worked tirelessly for whatever group or cause she was involved in. It could have been working on plans for teaching her students or working for the Democratic Party. She gave it her all. She was the ant and I was the grasshopper, Peter to my Doubting Thomas.
As I wandered up and down the East Coast trying to find a place to fit in, she remained a lodestar. I believe we all have lodestars be they people, places or principles. They help keep us true and allow us to reorient ourselves if we become lost. Sheila will still be a lodestar but in a different way. It is a bit lonelier knowing she is not still walking about.
Over the years she was always there through loss and laughs. When Mama passed, she was around to help. When my brother, me and my Aunt Charlotte waited on the limo to carry us to the church for the funeral service, she and Sarah were right there. When the car door opened, I realized that their was room for the whole neighborhood. I told Sheila and my cousin to join us for the ride so off we went. I told them that Sheila's presence would give others something to speculate about.
After the funeral and the graveside services, we all were talking to different people. Apparently a couple of cousins talked to Sheila and tried to ascertain who she was. They didn't want to be rude and ask her outright so they used sideways questions hoping that she would give them some information. She was pleasant but apparently not very forthcoming. They finally gave up and asked her outright, "Which one are you?" Sheila responded with "I'm the illegitimate one." They left in a hurry. I'm sure they tried to find out from others while wondering about my Mama and Daddy. Mama would have laughed and I still do when I think of it.
It is twilight now. She is passing from here through the darkness to a dawn on the other side. I can hear the whippoorwills in the distance that mark her passage. I believe she can hear the birds of morning calling as she makes her way.
"She fought the good fight, she finished the race, she kept the faith."
Sheila gave it a helluva ride and she was a helluva Democrat.
Sundance has gone home.
I will miss her very much.
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This has really been a tough week for you. I hope you find solace in the memories you had together.
...
tribute to a loving friend.
I'm sorry for your loss - she lives on in your heart.
(hugs)
Tears are dripping on my iPad 
Peace in your heart in times to come.
So lyrical, so tender, so eloquent.
I wish I could have written something like that for Chris.
May your memories and your love give you peace.
The love you express in your relationship with Sundance gives us all hope for a better future.
I am sorry for your loss.
Peace and strength to you, grits.
