Remembering Liz Armbruster
Yesterday, my friend Liz Armbruster died. Her passing was sudden and unexpected. She was just 51. Wife, mother, grandmother, Liz was a frequent commenter on this site and the proprietor of her own wonderfully-written blog, In Search of the Empty Nest. We will miss her deeply and personally. In tribute to Liz, I've revised a poem I posted in June upon the deaths of Ed McMahon, Farrah Fawcett, Michael Jackson and Billy Mays. I trust that Billy won't mind if I now call upon Liz to represent the mortality of us all.
Send not to know for whom the bell tolls, it tolls for thee. ~ John Donne
First the bell tolled for the King of Sidekicks,
and it tolled for a perfect pace,
And then the bell tolled for a TV Angel,
and it tolled for a heavenly face,
And then the bell tolled for the King of Pop,
and it tolled for an elegant grace,
And now the bell tolls for the humble blogger,
and it tolls for the human race. ~ Robert Brault
11 comments:
I am stunned. I felt like I was just getting to know Liz. I loved her comments and her presence here. Just two weeks ago she stopped by my site and signed my guestbook. My welcome to her is still up on my blog. I just barely read her account of the floods in Georgia and was going to leave her a comment. Thank you, Robert for honoring her in this way. And thanks for introducing us. I feel all weepy now, suddenly faced once again with the fragility of life.
Yes, so very fragile...
I remember one of Liz's sweet comments about bringing children into the world... she wrote,
:--To this one I would say that I brought children into this dark world because it needed the light that only a child can bring:
She counted her days well~
Randi, Maria
We are three signatures in a most improbable guestbook. I am stunned also.
rb
This means so much to me and I'm positive my mother would've loved it. I think she was your biggest fan. I remember when we were on vacation and she saw a quote by you that was framed and for sale, and she made me hurry hurry hurry to get my camera and, even though it was behind the register, told me to go and get a really good picture of it so that she could blog about it. As I excused myself to the cashiers, I remember thinking how greatful I was that she had a wonderful friend like you who she could share things with. Thank you very much for all that you meant to my mother and for all that you have said about her. I think your messeges have been the most comforting these past couple days. And thank you Randi and Maria for your sweet sentiments.
Mary,
You have been quite an amazement these two days, reaching out to others, responding to all, being yourself a source of comfort. You are Liz Armbruster's daughter for a fact. We ancients know that when things settle, there will be a rough patch ahead for you, but your mom will be there, as she always was, to help you through it in ways you cannot imagine. I am so very happy to have met you, although it is along a road neither of us ever wanted to travel. You and your family are very much in my thoughts.
smiles,
rb
Maria: Thank you for reminding me of that quote by Liz. I'm going to add it to my site in remembrance of her.
You're welcome, Randi~
Liz's comment is so very true and is a beautiful window into her heart.
Robert, thank you for being such a gracious host.
You not only have a gift of words and wisdom, but also of hospitality~
I've known Liz since we were girls. I feel blessed to have called her friend. Thanks for this sweet memorial.
Randi, Maria
I'm gratified to have my board used for your remembrances of Liz. Thanks.
diane,
It's great to have a friend of Liz stop by to comment. I was blessed to have known her these six months, and I will miss her.
smiles,
rb
She seems a wonderful woman. Wise beyond words. Liz Armbruster will be missed by many more than knew her- she'll always be missed by those who never got the chance. I am sad. Good luck to you in all your ambitions and dreams. I'm out.
Anonymous,
Thanks for your comment. Liz is indeed missed and, yes, by many who have no idea what they're missing.
rb
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