She gave me only beautiful memories from a friendship of 40 years. I have been blessed by her presence in my life. I remember the very first night we ever had a sleep over and all the vacations and concerts we’ve shared. We shared a love for the beach and she was the first to get me to eat seafood. Gigi was more than a very special friend, but one considered family. I will forever remember that laughter and her silly words like “goober”. I remember many days as teenagers laying on the back deck and talking about our futures. Our special talks of fears, love and relationships that worked and some that were doomed. We laughed, we cried. She trusted me with her deepest thoughts and feelings which made me proud to be her friend. She knew I never judged and she always told me how it made her feel accepted no matter what. I always told her she was good enough- good enough to be loved, good enough to love life when she had down days and questioned herself. She gave me the most special gift this Christmas Eve -Time together that day for several hours just talking and then off to Mass we went. We even took the gifts up to the altar together. I will always cherish this memory of this evening we shared and the holiday will be even more special for me now that shes gone. I’ve realized with Gigi that we can all make mistakes and yet all that truly matters in the end is love, love we receive and the love we give. My heart aches for your loss and I pray you find comfort and peace in all the loving memories you’ve shared as I know I too have been left with many to help ease the pain. There is no one like our Gigi and that’s why she was loved by many. “The cancer is gone, the pain has ceased and all her tears are dry.” She no longer has stress to carry, no worries, no fears-she is free at last. I will miss her deeply, however I find comfort in knowing she can be at peace. When we lose someone we love, we gain an angel we know. My deepest condolences.