Last week was a rough one. Am I right? First we lost Dolly (Who I happen to be listening to right now). I know I can’t say anything that hasn’t already been said. She’ll be remembered for so much. But what will stick with me will be her unwavering support of the LGBTQIA community. She never backed down or shied away from us just because it might not have been the popular stance of her particular music genre.

The next day, we learned that Tim Curry had also left the building. That, too, was a gut punch. Yes, he’d been not well for several years. But still…. He was Tim Curry for Chrissake! Do you remember the first time you saw Rocky Horror Picture show? I’ve seen it many times, but my favorite was the one tie some friends and I got majorly stoned then realized we were gonna be late for the midnight showing in Berkeley. We ran through town. Or tried to. It was hard to put one foot in front of the other, but we made it! LOL. Good times!

So then, Thursday rolled around. And it was on Thursday that I got hit the hardest. (Kind of fitting that I will always love you is playing now) A dear friend of mine had passed at the age of 67. She lived in Portland. I will be there next week and we’d made plans to meet. She was the ONLY person I reached out to every time I went to Portland so we could get together. And now she’s gone. Just like that. I’ll never meet up with her again.

Our friendship began as many do, in the workplace. We both hated where we worked, but it was a job. Laura had formerly been an accountant. She was smart as a whip and so good with numbers. I think the thing that really solidified our friendship was that she was the only person I’ve ever met who was quite possibly as sarcastic as I am. Her wit could shred you. She sliced and diced many coworkers. While I would sit back and laugh.

We would go on lunch runs together. She didn’t drive and was terrified by my terrible driving, but we’d laugh off all the near misses we had.

I remember the day they let her go. Downsizing was happening. But Laura? How could she be gone? I asked my assistant manager a question and she said, “Go ask Laura.” So I did. Her desk had been cleaned out. I went back and told Marci, “Laura’s not here anymore.” She said, “Oh yeah.” And laughed. The MFer laughed. I’ve yet to forgive her for that. And I know I never will.

Anyway – Laura took a piece of me when she left this earthly plane. Thank gawd I have a million and one memories of her.

If you made it this far, thank you. I just needed to offer a tribute to Laura. I miss her soooooo freakin much!

Hug your friends and family… Real family… close. You never knows when it’ll be the last time you get to.