My Best Friend: Diane Glass 1964 - 2007
This photo is how I will always remember my best friend, Diane Glass; a beautiful, strong, spirited and wonderful person shyly staring back at me at breakfast during our visit to Istanbul several years ago.
Diane passed away this morning at 3:15 AM in her home. She was 42 years old. She had been diagnosed with Bile Duct Cancer on July 6, 2007, a fairly rare form of cancer --- the kind that when you start showing symptoms it is usually too late for any kind of effective treatment. Although she fought stubbornly, like I knew she would, the damage was already done. She was in a great deal of pain over the last few weeks and having spent time with her in the hospital I can honestly say that I am relieved that she is no longer suffering.
Anyone who has known me over the past few years knew who Diane was and what she means to me. I have been told that I would illuminate when talking about her or discussing what we did over the week-end; that is how much she has meant to me.
When we first received the news of Diane's cancer diagnosis, I started feeling sorry for myself. I felt as if I would be nothing without her there to stand by me. Later, after brushing off all the self-centered nonsense, I realized that I am more than I ever was before because someone as wonderful as Diane filled my life. And because someone as wonderful as Diane let me share what now seems like such a short part of my life with her --- a true testament to the power of quality over quantity.
Diane Glass was a United Press Syndicated Columnist appearing in some 30 or so newspapers and Web sites across the country as well as appearing here locally in Atlanta at the AJC.com (see her good-bye column here). We often debated her column topics; I was often given the honor of giving her feedback on her column before she submitted it to her editors.
Diane was a lover of nature, of stray dogs, of chocolate peanut-butter ice cream, of travel, of music and dance, and of life.
Diane was so much more than all of these things.
Good night, Diane. I'll miss you every day for the rest of my life, but I won't regret it one bit; spending the last few years with you has been my great honor and pleasure.
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I am sorry for your loss, Leif.
--mk
Brent
You wrote a lovely tribute to Diane, heartfelt and filled with love. I am friends with Diane's sister, Janet, and I was stunned at the speed with which this disease took her. I, too, am grateful that she is no longer suffering. She had good friends, and family, who cared very deeply for her and helped make her difficult transition a little easier. I'm glad you were her friend. You were a good one.
Beautifully written for a beautiful soul. Having had many friends pass away, I'd say our souls and energy are never lost. We are given the opportunity to connect to each other and these connections are never broken. You just need to sit back and relax to know that she is there, looking over you and guiding you day by day. She is not lost, but closer to you than you can imagine. It can sometimes be hard to understand or to deal with, but just hold to it and you will see both you and her are a brighter light.
i am so sorry to hear about your loss. my condolences to her family and friends.
Having worked with you for 18 months or so, I know how much Diane meant to you, and can't imagine what it's like to have someone so dear taken from you so quickly. I am truly sorry for your loss.
Jonathan
I am still so distraught over this loss. It's like the world is somehow not as good a place as it was before she left. That's what she did before she left. She affected complete strangers in powerful ways through her column of ideas. I share with you the incredible sadness of her loss.
Kind regards,
Mary
walkez4@yahoo.com
Your written tribute to Diane was so great. Here in Seattle, we get her column on a regular basis and I was really shocked to read about her death a couple of days ago. She was too young and this fact alone saddened me beyond words. She seemed like such a special person with all the right ideas and viewpoints. Please accept my deepest condolences on the loss of your best friend.
Sincerely,
Matt
So sorry for your loss. Always enjoyed your column.
May God Bless You in your days of sorrow for your dear friend.
Peace,
Ana L. Myrtle Beach SC
She was a lucky woman to have a friend like you. She sounds terrific. I'm so sorry for your loss and if there's ever anything I can do, don't hesitate to ask. Hope to see you in Chicago.
I too share in your loss. Diane was a gem of a lady and will be remembered by many in regards to her provocative mind and spirit. My My best memories were sharing an evening at Eddie's Attic with her and seeing her laugh, she was always so cute when she did so. Ray