Friends enter our lives at different times and Gail entered mine and me hers in our mid-30s. My move to Atlanta and our common employer introduced us. One of the highlights of our work day was lunch and with me being new to the city, Gail quickly introduced to wonderful mid-town and city restaurants to please any palate.
Being a northern transplant, my knowledge of southern cuisine was limited, and Gail’s recommendations quickly educated me on delicious southern food. My first five vegetable plate was at lunch with Gail, as well as black-eyed peas, collard greens, sweet, soft corn bread, warm southern biscuits and to go along with these wonderful meals, always a glass of good red wine.
Even after our careers took us to different employers, our lunches and activities together continued. Our friendship was sealed and we continued to stay in touch for the 20 years my husband and I lived in Atlanta. A move to Florida 10 years ago changed that and our communications together were limited to phone calls and emails.
I wish I would have made more visits to Atlanta during that period than I did to visit my friend. I also wish I would have told Gail that I loved her. But then again, I think she knew that.
Gail was my confidante, my treasured friend, a woman of immense strength who was always there to listen. She taught me to be a better person and to never feel sorry for myself. She was my southern sunshine on a cloudy day.
Meet me at the pearly gates, Gail, with a glass of wine in hand. Time passes so quickly…it won’t be long before we raise our glasses again in “Cheers”.
Friends enter our lives at different times and Gail entered mine and me hers in our mid-30s. My move to Atlanta and our common employer introduced us. One of the highlights of our work day was lunch and with me being new to the city, Gail quickly introduced to wonderful mid-town and city restaurants to please any palate.
Being a northern transplant, my knowledge of southern cuisine was limited, and Gail’s recommendations quickly educated me on delicious southern food. My first five vegetable plate was at lunch with Gail, as well as black-eyed peas, collard greens, sweet, soft corn bread, warm southern biscuits and to go along with these wonderful meals, always a glass of good red wine.
Even after our careers took us to different employers, our lunches and activities together continued. Our friendship was sealed and we continued to stay in touch for the 20 years my husband and I lived in Atlanta. A move to Florida 10 years ago changed that and our communications together were limited to phone calls and emails.
I wish I would have made more visits to Atlanta during that period than I did to visit my friend. I also wish I would have told Gail that I loved her. But then again, I think she knew that.
Gail was my confidante, my treasured friend, a woman of immense strength who was always there to listen. She taught me to be a better person and to never feel sorry for myself. She was my southern sunshine on a cloudy day.
Meet me at the pearly gates, Gail, with a glass of wine in hand. Time passes so quickly…it won’t be long before we raise our glasses again in “Cheers”.
Your loving friend,
Denise
So sorry to hear of sweet Gail passing.