This post was written and prepared to be published March 1, 2018. But due to the news I got on this very sad day I was editing and publishing it today.
A few years back I had an extremely hard time in my life. It was a phase where nothing turned out the way it was supposed to be according to my plan.
During this time there were so many of my friends standing by my side; not only my friends and family who had been with me for a long time, nearly all my life but also FB friends. Friends I’ve never met in my life, but only met on FB, on other social media, people I could count on and who became real trustworthy connections in the meantime. (I will get back to them in another post!)
One of these people was Katie Jenkins of Magical Designs. Through Katie, I met another amazing woman: Kelley L. Crandall, a writer, and Marketing Specialist.
They both helped me significantly through this time, were in contact with me nearly daily, supported me and gave me advice, suggestions, help, and encouragement.
Since then, Katie became the Mom of beautiful twins, congratulations, Katie! Of course, she concentrates on her family now. But whenever we’re in contact again, I’m still grateful to know her. She’s such a wonderful person!
When I started feeling better, I had been talking on the phone to Kelley, and we talked and talked like women do sometimes. At one point I told her: “I wish I had an editor for my stories, and I wish so much it could be you.” And wonderful, amazing, gold-hearted Kelley said: “I wish that too!”
That is now how I got my editor. Kelley understood the problems I was fighting with – and she understood me. She searched her way through my work, and she even liked my books, which is, in my opinion, a very important thing. (I mean, how can a person edit something if the story isn’t liked?)
Kelley was patient, encouraging and supportive; she was helpful, humorous and an amazing friend! She became a part of my heart!
Today I got the Information that Kelley has passed away. To say I’m sad would be too mild… I’m heartbroken.
Only last week we chatted and today she is no more.
I am thinking of Kelley’s husband David and her children. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
I know, this blog post isn’t particularly long – but today I wanted to thank my friend from the bottom of my heart:
THANK YOU, KELLEY L. CRANDALL!
For everything you did, for your work, your heart, your understanding, and your friendship! You mean a lot to me!
I will never ever forget you, Kelley. You left your love in my Soul. I don’t want to say Goodbye… I want to say: SEE YOU!! You will be sorely missed!!
Sorry to hear about your friend Aurora. Sounds like she would want you to carry on the good things you two shared.
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Thank you so much for your sympathy Allan. I try whatever I can do.
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I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your friend and editor. What a lovely tribute to someone special. May she rest in peace. Sending hugs to you. xo
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Thanks so much Darlene. Sending hugs back. xoxo
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Hola Aurora, I am tearing up at your very sad news. Your words would have been highly appreciated by your special friend. Good people and memories always stay in our hearts. May Kelley rest in peace. Hugs ‘n’ love. Joy xx
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Thanks a million Joy. I hope she knows, wherever she might be. Hugs and love back. xoxo
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Kelley was my neighbor when we lived in West valley. Our children played together. She was so kind and a dear friend. I’d love to help her family with anything needed.
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Hello Nicolette. Yes, she was a wonderful person with a great heart and soul. You should contact her family. They might need you.
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So sorry, Aurora about your friend Kelly. May she RIP, Amen.
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Thank you very much Patricia. She was so amazing. ❤
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I’m so sorry to hear about Kelley, Aurora – I can see she was much more than just your editor 😞
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Yes, Chris. She was. I will miss her so much. She was so helpful and encouraging. She was a wonderful friend. My heart is bleeding for her family. 😦
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I can tell
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I can understand the pain in your heart, Aurora. I wish I could ease it. It’s so hard when you lose someone you love, are fond of, and/or count on. God bless you.
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Thank you Sharon.
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A beautiful tribute, so sorry for your loss dear Aurora. HUGS!
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Thanks so much Allan. Hugs back. ❤
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