Just learned that a high school classmate 'passed away in her sleep this morning. She was very Happy

[elleng]

in her life,' her friend posted. It seems she was happy in her 'recent' life, but I learned a while ago she'd been mistreated and unhappy for years, something most of us did not know.

It's been many years since we've seen eachother; I don't recall whether she attended our unofficial reunion 'back home' 10+ years ago, attended by 100+, and she didn't make it to 'reunion' @ my house honoring our 70th birthdays 7 years ago.

SO, will be thinking/feeling mortality today.

(I learned today, Saturday, that she passed in passed away in Missoula, Montana. I knew she'd moved from Florida, where she'd lived for some years, away from our Long Island NY home, but I didn't know to where she'd moved.)

[SheltieLover]

1. Deepest condolences

Healing vibes on the way to you. 💓💓💓

[Laffy Kat]

2. I am so sorry over the loss of your friend.

It's always a shock if it's sudden. Hugs to you, elleng.

[True Dough]

3. Sorry for your loss, Ellen

Your thread title reminded me of a day about a decade ago when I was trying to track down an old high school friend through Facebook and couldn't find him. But I messaged his sister, who had an account. She replied to me that she would call me with "extraordinary" news about Brian. My mind started racing. I thought maybe he'd become CEO or some company and struck it rich or something.

Nope. Turns out Brian was home visiting his parents for the holidays and he died in his sleep in their home. The autopsy revealed a congenital heart defect that had never been detected in his lifetime.

He was 36 years old.

Boy, did that news hit me like a ton of bricks. Bothered me on and off for a few weeks. I still hate to think about it, but at least I was able to call him a friend for several years while we were teenagers.

Take care.

[elleng]

4. Oh my goodness!

Thinking of his parents!

[True Dough]

6. Oh yes,

his sister said they were devastated, as you might expect. There's never a good time for such a thing to happen but during the Christmas holidays has to be one of the worst, especially when he was home for a visit.

[LoisB]

5. I am sorry for the loss of your classmate. Glad she was happy in her recent life.