Last night I lost my oldest friend, Anita. We have known each other for more than 40 years, and never lost contact. A tough lady, redheaded and strong willed. In the beginning, when we worked together, I was a bit afraid of her harsh speaking and straight forward attitude, but soon learned she had a heart of gold.

We found we had the same interests – birds, flowers and dogs. We had so many good laughs together… with some spring birdwatching and dog walking and talking…How I will miss her. So much. My eyes seem never to get dry.

She had no children, no family, only a brother – sharing the same mother but different fathers. Anita had such style and good taste, and her brilliant knowledge in so many areas took her to the top of entering a TV show. And I am missing her happy, low laughter too. My friend, Anita.

People could always turn to her for help – she helped others far too much and kept too little for her own needs.

The phone rang early this morning. I had not slept well for several nights, because I had been sitting by her side, watching her fade away. All her life she had been the master and commander of her own life, working in Italy and Switzerland, and back home again. The last two years  she lived at a home for elderly people with dementia – and could no longer decide over her own living or doings. Her ”inmates” did not speak much, and there was nobody interested in dogs or flowers, or birds. And Anita was a social person…She never found a new friend there, and every time I came visiting her, she said she wanted to leave. And to have a dog again.

She had many dogs throughout her life, and a kennel for several years – pugs. She imported a great bitch from England, and with her and her offspring, she won everything – home and abroad. Stockholm, Oslo, Berlin…in short, a champion kennel.

To be allowed to stay at this home, she had to let go of her last dog. That was a devastating blow to her spirit, and she never really recovered from it.

I miss you very much, Anita. Thank you for letting me know you, for keeping me warm by your fire.