Saturday, November 26, 2016

LOVE, LAUGHTER, LOSS AND MEMORIES

November 14th I lost a very dear friend whom I have known since high school (I graduated) and we had been friends ever since through all the years.  She unfortunately passed the day before her granddaughter, Avianna,  was born. Her 3 year old grandson, Malachi, was such a shining star in Joanie's life.

Joanie, Margaret Joan Kanaski, was so very unique, a one-of-a-kind woman, filled with love, passion and caring.  Joanie could make you laugh and forget your worries and woes.  Her hugs gave so much warmth that it melted your heart. 
 
Joanie was able to get me to come out of my shy shell and do things I probably would never have done. She expanded my horizons. She got me to set aside my fears.
 
Joanie was always laughing and she helped me recover from severe pneumonia with her comedic antics. She was at my side through tears and laughter.
Joanie and I even worked together at a Shakey's Pizza parlor and laughed every day!
 
We did volunteer work at the Anaheim Serviceman's Center from 1970-1974 when Vietnam ended. We had also spent time visiting injured soldiers at Camp Pendleton and El Toro and entertaining them.  She would imitate Lily Tomlin (look her up) doing the telephone operator and when I answered the phone and heard, "Is this the party to whom I am speaking?" I knew it was Joanie.
She would also imitate Lily Tomlin as Edith Ann, the little girl.
 
She got us volunteer girls to put on a luau and hula in them! Such a fun silly thing to do.
  
Joanie approved of my husband and was at my side when we married in 1976.
 
 
Joanie made the dress she wore for my wedding and it was so lovely! She was quite talented!
Joanie, Sue and I were dear friends and we could be regular old ladies....
 or silly ones, and feel comfortable with each other.
 I will miss her.  I am thankful to have had her in my life and to have shared in her love and laughter.
She will be so missed.

12 comments:

  1. So sorry for your loss dear Rose. You were blessed to have had such a loving and fun relationship all of these years.

    Love, hugs & prayers ~ FlowerLady

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  2. What a wonderful album of memories; the laughter and high jinks of youth so fondly remembered. That was a lovely wedding dress, Rose, for a lovely bride. I think we will reunite with our best friends when we cross over; I have a friend of the heart that I'm waiting to see. Thank you for sharing yours. Alice

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  3. Oh, Rose, I am so very sorry. A friendship like that is a rare jewel, indeed. Now she will be your guardian Angel, watching over you, always by your side. Lovely memories you have shared of your beautiful friendship. Sending hugs xx Karen

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  4. Dear Rose, I am so sorry about the loss of your dear friend! Sounds like she was truly amazing! Friends like that will always be cherished!
    hugs,
    Jann

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  5. Rose, I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your friend. Hope those lovely memories of her warm your heart.

    xo Dianne

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  6. So sorry to hear about your loss. She looks like a fun friend!

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  7. What a very touching tribute....Joan and I were friends dating back to 1993....it's been many years since I saw joan last but Facebook made it possible to stay in touch even though we were on opposite sides of the country.

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  8. This is a lovely tribute. I love seeing the photos, and I'm very sorry for the loss of your dear friend.

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  9. Oh Rose, what a lovely tribute. So sorry fort your loss. Alida

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  10. Cherish those memories always. So hard to lose those you love. RH

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  11. Hi Rose, I am so very sorry for your loss. Your dear friend sounds like the perfect lifelong bestie and your tribute to her is beautiful. Sending my sympathy and prayers and may God comfort you in the days ahead. Blessings always

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