We had no phone reception where we were staying, as it turned out. The day after we arrived, we drove until we found a place where the phone would work. We pulled into a parking lot, and I called Friko from there. It transpired that we had parked right below her house. "I'll be down in five minutes," she said.
I looked up toward the footbridge and spied a fine black labrador with what seemed to be a permanently happy look on his face. I knew immediately it was Benno, and indeed, there was Friko, too.
Later that week, we had a lovely afternoon in Friko's garden, in the company of Benno. We feel privileged to have had the chance to meet him. While it hardly needs our saying so, Benno, in the loving home of Friko and Beloved, had the best of lives.
In loving memory of Benno
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Benno can be spotted, resting on the lawn behind Friko, observing the proceedings.
Oh, my God. Friko's voice sounds EXACTLY as I'd heard it in my mind's ear from the beginning.
Susan, I dreamt I met you last night. Isn't this odd? I know I'm an enormous crybaby but this post had me on the edge of weeping from the first words and image.
Thank you so much for this. Just thank you so much.
Dear Sue, isn't it wonderful how we make contacts and find interesting people through Blogland? Souls materialize, that is my impression. Becoming good friends. Giving you access to their life, thoughts, glimpses of their heart. Even if they stay just a voice in letters: that's terrific too, a present and a joy.
Greetings Susan, My apologies for not being around much lately. What a marvellous time with a rather sad yet reflective ending. Most sorry to note that Benno has passed away. And I note that "Friko" has left a lovely comment on here. Such a beautiful garden and the warm ambience came shining through. In kindness, Gary
What a treasure of a post. I've had the opportunity to meet a few bloggers, and often have talked by phone with others. It's always such a pleasure, and often quite interesting to meet someone whom I've come to "know" only through the page. It's rather like meeting an old friend after a several years' absence, rather than like a first meeting.
Those gardens are beautiful, and Friko and her beloved fit them well. The video was especially nice - thanks for including it, and thanks to Friko for allowing it.
Hi Susan .. wonderful to hear the brief chat about Amnesia - I'll remember that.
Because of things down here - I hadn't realised Benno had gone to higher places ... but am so pleased you met him briefly beforehand - that will make the whole visit seem whole ... even though now Friko and him will be greatly bereft.
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10 comments:
Oh, my God. Friko's voice sounds EXACTLY as I'd heard it in my mind's ear from the beginning.
Susan, I dreamt I met you last night. Isn't this odd? I know I'm an enormous crybaby but this post had me on the edge of weeping from the first words and image.
Thank you so much for this. Just thank you so much.
Hello Susan:
What a very kind and most thoughtful post. We were so sorry to read earlier this evening that Benno had died.
Your video clip and photograph are wonderful reminders of what clearly was a most enjoyable and happy time.
Oh, how very nice of you to post this, Susan. You know that I was very happy to meet you and Josie and I hope we will meet again.
With much love from me and him.
What a lovely soul, and to live in that beautiful landscape. Surely walks will not be the same. Best regards to your friend.
Susan, thanks very much especially for the video portrait of Friko -And Beloved! And thanks to Friko for allowing you to post it.
And, you almost included a portrait of yourself too, almost, just a glimpse....
Dear Sue,
isn't it wonderful how we make contacts and find interesting people through Blogland?
Souls materialize, that is my impression. Becoming good friends. Giving you access to their life, thoughts, glimpses of their heart. Even if they stay just a voice in letters: that's terrific too, a present and a joy.
Greetings Susan,
My apologies for not being around much lately.
What a marvellous time with a rather sad yet reflective ending. Most sorry to note that Benno has passed away.
And I note that "Friko" has left a lovely comment on here. Such a beautiful garden and the warm ambience came shining through.
In kindness, Gary
oh thank you for posting this
I loved seeing and hearing Belobed and Friko and seeing Benno
They are blog treasures
and her garden is oh my gorgeous
What a treasure of a post. I've had the opportunity to meet a few bloggers, and often have talked by phone with others. It's always such a pleasure, and often quite interesting to meet someone whom I've come to "know" only through the page. It's rather like meeting an old friend after a several years' absence, rather than like a first meeting.
Those gardens are beautiful, and Friko and her beloved fit them well. The video was especially nice - thanks for including it, and thanks to Friko for allowing it.
Hi Susan .. wonderful to hear the brief chat about Amnesia - I'll remember that.
Because of things down here - I hadn't realised Benno had gone to higher places ... but am so pleased you met him briefly beforehand - that will make the whole visit seem whole ... even though now Friko and him will be greatly bereft.
With many thoughts .. Hilary
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