Om Monday June 18, the heavens welcomed a special soul. Denise Svilich Manes. Denise and I have been friends for so many years.... I meet her back in my early 20's. I was in her wedding, she was in mine. As a matter of fact she was in 2 of my weddings. We went through so much together. Very, very good times... And very, very bad times. When I was homeless she was there for me, when she was homeless I was there for her. She lived with me in Clarkston, Kamiah, Rubins and Post Falls. We used to take off in my pickup and head to the back country... Elk City, Dixy, Riggins, Granddad Bridge. We would bring lots of booze, cigarettes, some herbal medicine, and spend the entire weekend roaming the back roads, swimming in the creeks, sitting around the campfire where ever we stopped. Exploring old mines and old graveyards. Staying up for three days howling at the moon.
The past years we have drifted apart, Denise moved to Pennsylvania, those that know us know the story. I did connect with her again this past year though Face book. She said she was happy, had a good man and was doing well. Last night another old and dear friend called to tell me Denise had taken her life. She had gone out on the property with a gun..... I feel shock. All I could say was Oh My God, over and over. I mean... to be so tired of this life, this journey that you want to end it? We have all thought about it, when life is just SO hard, and it feels like we are so tired of fighting the fight. That whatever comes after this it has GOT to be better than this. I have been there.... I wish she would have called me. I wish there would have been something I could have done to help her. I hope that she finds the peace she was searching for. I hope she is happy now. I hope she can rest. I'm so sorry Denise, I will keep you in my heart and keep your memory. I will light a candle to guide you to the other side. May you find peace. Love you Girl
