Wednesday, February 22, 2023

A Slice Of Real Life - Diana, Buddy, And Nico

Today's post is very personal and bittersweet. But that's real life, isn't it?

Life is a combination of those oh-so-sweet, wonderful moments that we long to hold on to. But also moments when life challenges us to experience loss and grief; while moving through them with grace. 

Such as it is with my dear friend, Diana, who lost her husband, Buddy, of 42-years on December 23rd, 2022. 

Diana and I-

Diana and I met in 1995 while working at the Chanel counter at Saks. We instantly hit it off and became close friends. We have a friendship that, no matter where we move, always stay close in our hearts. Diana currently resides in Texas. When we both lived in Orlando, Florida, my apartment and her home were just a short drive from each other. Diana loved to have parties in her cottage-style home because she had the most magical backyard that was perfect for intimate gatherings. A very special highlight about those gatherings was that she (and Buddy) would make the most delicious Spanish cuisine for all of us to feast on. Diana grew her own herb garden, which she used in all her food preps.  

Here is a photo that was taken in May 2001, when Diana hosted a going away party for me in her backyard, a week before I moved back to Philadelphia. I remember that night like it was yesterday.

*Me and five beautiful ladies - (top row, left to right): Theresa, Marta, Yuki (bottom row, left to right) Diana, Evelyse, and me. 

 

Diana and Buddy-

Diana and Buddy met January 21, 1979 (Super Bowl weekend) in San Antonio, Texas. They dated for a year and a half before getting married on August 29, 1980.

Nico-

Precious little Nicolas (Nico) was born eight years later, on August 22,1988. At almost 3-years old, Nico was diagnosed with severe autism. As challenging as that was, it brought Diana, Buddy, and Nico closer together. And their love grew. 

Last summer, Diana contacted me to let me know that Buddy had been diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer. But his doctor was very confident he would pull through it using certain medical interventions. And Buddy did improve. 

However, in late autumn, the cancer returned and spread to other areas of his body.

In December, Buddy came home, supported with hospice care, and passed away two days before Christmas with Diana by his side, peacefully; surrounded by the love they shared for 42 years. 

Since then, it's been very hard for Diana because she is not only processing her own loss and grief, but trying to acclimate to this major change in her life as well. She is also concerned about how Nico is processing the loss of his father. 

One bright spot is that she and Nico have grown even closer; spending lots of time together, hiking through nature as they heal their loss. Diana told me she has moments of being okay, then moments of intense grief. Which is only natural. Another bright spot is that Diana has a very strong spiritual foundation; which has helped her tremendously to feel supported and guided through this challenging time.

Here is what she shared on her Instagram page in a touching pictorial and musical tribute to Buddy: 

To the love of my life…my husband, my soulmate, my best friend.♥️

As time goes by I miss you more and more, and not a single day passes by without thinking of you. You were the light that made us feel loved and protected. You were a special gift to us and the greatest blessing from God. Your love for our family was endless and you lived in loving and caring for Nicolas. You were such an amazing dad.

My heart is full of gratitude for knowing you, and I thank you from the bottom of my heart for the great adventure that was our life together.

Rest in peace my sweet angel, and don’t worry

about us. I got this!!! 🙏🏼

I will love you always and forever in my heart♥️ 

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I would like to conclude this post by sharing the beautiful eulogy that was read at Buddy's memorial service by his brother-in-law, Frank. His words perfectly summed up Buddy's 67 years on this earth, and how he touched the lives of everyone who knew him. 

Thank you, Buddy, for inspiring me how to dance in the rain!

And to Diana and Nico....
I love you lots! 💗💗💗💗

Have a great rest of your week, everyone!