The weather was beautiful on Sunday, so Hans and I went for a long walk through the city. We stopped and had a few drinks outside and enjoyed people watching. Everyone was in a good mood due to the weather. Because the winter can be so dark and rainy here, when the sun shines, the Dutch know how to enjoy every ray of it, and I love that.
This is always a strange day for me. When I was 12 one of my best neighborhood friends, Rose, was killed on the night of the 13th by a drunk driver. I remember her older sister coming to our house to tell my parents on the morning of the 14th, and then my parents told me. What I remember most clearly was the way Teresa looked at me before she left. It was so very sad. I remember putting on a white turtleneck with little red hearts and sitting on our front steps staring at her house, watching people go in and out. My parents didn’t allow me to go to the services, which I’m not sure was the best decision but I think they were just trying to protect me. I do remember that they were devastated. Everyone was. What I am grateful for is a memory of her that has always stayed in my mind: Rose on our backyard jungle gym, hanging upside down with her long braids hitting the grass and her bangs sticking straight out!
The shot above is from a little bakery called Sweet Things. They made 60 gorgeous chocolate and buttercream cupcakes with bright colors and flowers for our Dutch wedding party. I love their storefront, it always looks so Dr. Seuss.
11 Comments
February 13, 2008 at 10:04 am
Beautiful photo, as usual.
What a sad sweet story about your childhood friend. And how lovely that you still remember the date, and keep her memory alive.
February 13, 2008 at 3:25 pm
Lovely photo. The memory of your friend is sweet. Perhaps you could share it with her family, if you’re still in touch?
February 13, 2008 at 5:20 pm
Wow, that is beautiful. The story and the storefront. Thanks for sharing.
February 13, 2008 at 5:55 pm
Very touching story. :)
February 13, 2008 at 6:21 pm
So sorry about the loss of your childhood friend. That must have been so hard.
That is such a yummy picture.
February 13, 2008 at 6:46 pm
So sweet as you… the storefront, and your wedding cakes of course¡¡¡
I’m happy you have some sun in that cloudy city, I know what you mean, and what that sunday sun ray could have been. From my sunny city I send to you losts of warm sunny kisses.
I don’t like february 14th either…
Love you
February 13, 2008 at 10:17 pm
Now I’m hungry! That was a sweet note about your friend. I’m sure she’s very much still a part of you!
February 14, 2008 at 2:16 am
I know exactly what you mean my beloved grandmother was buried on the 14th now 17 years ago. I am glad you have such a great memory of your friend though! And that food looks amazing!
February 14, 2008 at 4:53 am
So sad. I’m sorry you lost a friend that way. But I’m glad you still remember her and think of her.
Those cupcakes really do look delicious.
February 14, 2008 at 5:29 am
It must have been hard to lose a great friend at such a young age. Your memories of her are warm.
Delicious photo! Makes me hungry for sweets (although I don’t needa a photo for that)! I love all of your photos. They give me a happy feeling.
February 15, 2008 at 5:11 pm
Your story brings back many memories for me. A neighborhood friend of mine died in an accident the February right after my 16th birthday. I still think of her too, particularily this time of year.
As always, I love your pictures!