I am mostly thinking about my friend, Andi, who died yesterday after a hard, long, grueling last few years. I visited her every time I was in Seattle, and over the years, I saw her grow more tired, especially after her husband died. She loved her toy monkeys and gorillas, she loved Breaking Cat News, she loved mysteries, she loved Stu, she loved Sue Storm. She loved lots of things. She was courageous and politically active. She talked endlessly, a lively, extroverted mind broadcasting on all wavelengths whenever there was someone to talk to.
I hope there is someone to take all her monkeys and gorillas, someone to pat them all on the head and explain things. But then, that’s the gift of stuffed animals. They all always already understand.
I believe this photo was taken by Janna Silverstein.
