Penny

We met in 10th grade. I wish I remembered how, exactly

When we were 16 we would go shopping at Eastport Plaza or Lloyd Center. We would each pick out the ugliest outfit we could find and know the other one would love it. We would go to Newberries and eat groovy goblet sundaes and french fries for lunch.

When we were 19 we piled our suitcases in my 1967 volkswagon bug and headed south. Our destination? Disneyland. The first time I ever ate cheesecake. We took in Universal Studio's and conquered L.A. traffic. We were so brave!

When we were 22 we went to Great Britain. We stayed in bed and breakfasts. We got drunk on gin at Beefeaters. Laughed about the lost lid to a tube of toothpaste until we were, literally, sitting on the bathroom floor in tears. We had the best tea ever on the night train from London to Edinborough. Together we committed breaking and entering in Wales.

In our early 20's we would dress up on Halloween and hit the bar scene - or go to a local party.. like this one. That's Penny.. the pink princess!

We shared secrets.


When we were 25 we went on a party cruise to Vancouver, B.C. - she had a way better time than I did. I was whiney and tired and I think she danced all night.

When we were 28 we shared an apartment for about a month. We decided that wasn't a very good idea.

We didn't see near enough of each other in our 30's. Somewhere in here she got a tattoo. Without me. I was crushed.

When we were in our 40's she invited me to be the official photographic journalist when she shaved her head in preparation for chemo.

4 years ago we tried the dress up and go out on Halloween thing again. It's just wasn't the same - but at least we were able to laugh at ourselves!

Three weeks ago we watched Avatar together in her hospital room.

Now she is gone.

Someone really REALLY needs to find a cure for cancer.