Remembering my Best Friend

It's been two years this day.
I still struggle emotionally in her absence.

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“Black birds tend to like shiny things.” ~ The Bloody Raven.

This is now the second anniversary of the passing of my best friend and roommate Debbie. We were friends for some time before we became roommates as it now seems long ago. She was self employed as a professional house cleaner. Fiercely independent, generous, and always had a helpful spirit in her circle of friends. We met at a church concert where she was at most her element being available to anyone who needed support and encouragement. At the time I though she was a Deaconess.

I was relatively new in the faith and not quite trusting of others. I was still in the process of a life make over to walk the straight and narrow. To have a purpose in life, to be a productive person and to work at putting away the old painful life for a new one. Debbie welcomed me as a part of her circle of friends.

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Her Orchid has a spot on the window by the Kitchen table. The blooms lasting through most of August into September.

One thing I was amazed about is that she literally lived by faith. A professional House Cleaner didn’t pay a lot. Sometimes she supplements her living expenses working in retail sales but even that could not afford her own apartment. She admitted that she often had a roommate arrangement with a friends. When one Roommate got married, she had to leave. Only to find another Roommate for some time when that new roommate got engaged and was politely kicked out again. In between she had connections to ‘House Sit’ for clients that vacationed or traveled for months at a time for a fair fee.

Then that day came when she needed a place to live. I had space in my rental apartment and I’d be happy to accommodate her. She looked after the young boys as I worked. And one day I said to her, “We’re losing this apartment.”
Debbie’s eyes rolled, “Here we go again. When do I move out?”
With a straight face I replied, “At the end of this month.”
“Only two weeks notice, I can’t find a place in so short of notice.”
“I already found a place for you.”
“Where? How?”
I smiled and looked her in the eyes, “My new house, it’s about ten blocks east of here!”
And we’ve been solid Roommates since.

2024 Samoa $2 The Creator
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Reverse; The Creator, and the seven Days of Creation
Diameter 39mm
31.1g,.999 Fine Silver
Series; The Jesus Collection

I know Debbie would have loved this Creator silver coin. She thought it cool for me to get the Yeager's 5 Troy oz. fine silver cross and she loved it for it's simplicity. It's the Baptist's style because ...He is Risen!
He is risen indeed!

I remembered the day we agreed with my ideal of Stacking gold and silver years ago. We were trying to grow our Emergency Savings Fund but the GIC interest rates kept getting lower, made worse as the meager return is also taxable income. With Inflation it didn't seem fair to work so hard to build a cash safety net only to watch it's buying power whittled away.

2024 Samoa $2 The Creator
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Obverse; Samoan coat of arms
Legend; SAMOA 2024, 2 DOLLARS
1 TROY OUNCE, 999 FINE SILVER
EDGE; REEDED
Scottsdale Mint, Mintage; 15,000 BU

We had to structure our savings in a logical and rational manner. At the time we had about $5000 CAD scraped together after bills and expenses. If a household repair was needed, we could commit a maximum of $4000 of the $5000 total and hold back the remaining $1000 for urgent medical expenses only. If a medical need came up we could commit the entire $5000. So the priority is medical. Home repairs can be on my Line of Credit temporarily.

The last blooms for September.
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Let’s hope these blooms come back next August.

The catch was that the $5000 had to remian liquid, locked into 30 day rotation of GICs maybe more depending how my bank structured their return rates. Any Savings over the $5000 threshold I can commit to stacking. We had hot water tank failures, worn out our furnace twice, various appliances that stopped working at different times, and lawn mowers never last more than three years. Each replaced in a timely and painless manner.
Working Holidays, weekend shifts and my side gig moved that threshold up to $6000 and so on.
This policy worked great, as long as problems didn't happen all at once.

"Deb, you know my boys and I miss you very much. So I look forward to one day be with my best friend again. Put in a good word for me Sis!"

For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. ~ Col 1:16 NKJV

Thanks for dropping by my blog. ☕️

Stacking Precious metals and Crypto for those dark stormy days!

The #piratesunday tag is the scurvy scheme of Captain @stokjockey for #silvergoldstackers pirates to proudly showcase their shiny booty and plunder for all to see. Landlubbers arrrh… welcomed to participate and be a Pirate at heart so open yer treasure chests an’ show us what booty yea got!

References & Sources

Scottsdale mint.

The Coinshoppe; The Creator silver coin.

Photos are my own shot with an ancient 2018 Samsung SM-A530W or Samsung 23FE.
P. Image under Pixabay
W. Wiki Commons
☠️🎃 Page Dividers by thekittygirl. ❄️🌞
Cameo Raven Brooch from The Black Wardrobe.



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"I’m just a gal in black, not a bloody Financial Advisor!"

Physical precious metals bullion stacking is only a part of my personal overall financial strategy. Meanwhile, collecting numismatics are a different set of objectives and strategy. Unless you are a complete nutcase as I am please, do your research before deciding to buy into any bullion or numismatic products.

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Gosh, these rich traditional Mooncakes will be the death of me.

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Such a beautiful story of the time you shared. Life can seem so cruel but I am sure she is smiling on you from a good place. Stack on sister.

Thank you @buggedout
!HUG
!LUV

Oh love, this is your friend that you were speaking about on my post 🥹❤️ this is a beautiful friendship, I can truly feel the love that you had for her...

I am saddened that there was not a more positive outcome... Keeping her memory alive is a great way to honor her. I also love the orchids, they are one of my favorite flowers. Praying that they bloom for you both again!

I've already reserved a place with a lovely setting for both Debbie and I when my time comes. For now she lives on my bookshelf in a beautifully made Cherry wood urn.
I've made it clear that Debbie's remains will be interred with mine.
We'll be roommates again.
!LUV
!LADY

Being left behind is really the hardest thing about death. We lose the ability to see our loved ones daily. They are rejoicing for they are with Jesus! Our day will come, when we join them as well, and I can almost imagine the reunion it's going to be! Deb will be right there waiting for you!

Thanks for sharing sis; take comfort in that Jesus knows exactly what you're feeling, and is with you to lend comfort and peace.

Much love, sis!🤗😍😘💜 !!LADY !LUV

Her empty recliner chair is at my immediate right.
Debbie would say, "to keep reading his Word and reaching for Him."
I remain behind for His reasons and not mine.

Thanks @elizabethbit 🤗❤️
!LUV
!LADY

I understand. Yes, she would be right; keep reaching for Him. Take care sis!🤗💜🌻 !HOPE !INDEED


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A hard day indeed, two years already? It doesn't seem nearly that long. It's tough to lose a dear friend you were so close to and really part of the family. Remembering the good things is always a great way to celebrate her life, and stacking items like that she would have liked is awesome. I hope you hang in there on this tough day!
!BBH
!LADY

She was a wise lady and I trusted her fully.
We almost look like opposites yet the closest of friends.
And she understood what Stacking was all about.

I'm almost done winding down her estate, making sure her ID cards are cancelled, Credit cards, even membership cards are cancelled and settled for any outstanding charges and balances. Closing accounts, final disbursements, remaining taxation issues still need a final okay.
Then back to my Mom's estate.
No rest for the living.

!LADy
!HUG


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Time passes… And losing people in our life gets a bit easier but not much🙄
Very smart move that you and Deb decided to create an emergency fund with precious metals!
We are all forced to hold small amounts of fiat, but it definitely melts away in our hands!😮

That's the real trick, the world is still on the Fiat system so some cash has to remain liquid. At least some states are in the process of accepting gold and silver as legal tender.
Is Canada making gold ans silver legal tender, all I got was the sound of crickets.
Debbie understood the need and potential of having a part of our cash reserve in Precious metals entrusting me with the bookkeeping and the choice. After 15 years of stacking I've managed to accumulate quite a hoard.

Thank you for the comforting words @silvertop
It is something we all face in our lives, it doesn't get any easier.
!LUV

The older I get, the more friends and family I miss as they pass……
When Liz and I visited our son this past weekend, we walked several miles to get steps, down to Starbucks in town. Bill texted …..
“Are you guys OK!”😳
I guess he thought we are too old to hike that far for a Coffee Lol!😇
Stay healthy my friend!💪😀

I think my local McDonald's is missing my regular patronage.
For a time I had a voucher for a 100 free medium Coffees but Ive used up only 90 of the 100. It sure charges me up for the night shift.
☕️☕️☕️☕️

I think at a certain age McDonald’s down here will give you a free small coffee with free refills….😇
I can just see me in my old age sitting at a table talking precious metal and bitcoin at McDonald’s Lol😇🤣☺️

I'm sorry, @kerrislravenhill 😔. Those days are difficult when remembering loved ones. You know, the orchid you're showing is beautiful, my friend. In my garden, they are very hard to grow because there's a lot of sun and they need more water.

Greetings and have a lovely Thursday!! 🙏🏻🙏🏻

This Orchid was a gift from her high school friend that came to visit Debbie in her hospice room. She loved it and keep it by her bedside for her remaining days. I re-potted and keep it on the kitchen window next to my dining room table.
I see it every day and think about her.
These plants do need regular watering.
There are five flowers remaining this evening.
Thank you for dropping in @ibarra95
!HUG
!LADY

Ohh!! Well, you clearly take such good care of the orchid; it shows how much you loved your friend 🫶😔. My condolences, it's a very beautiful plant with magnificent flowers @kerrislravenhill!!

A big greeting from the island 🇨🇺 and an excellent weekend to you!! 😊🤗🙏🏻

!HOPE

Awww... Kerris...
Debbie watches over you like an angel!
!LUV always, sis.
!BBH
!LADY
!PIZZA

I've always relied on her input and advice as much as her company. Now I feel that I'm now on my own. I know she's cheering me on to keep in His Word.

!LUV
!LADY


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A few days ago was my father's 2nd death anniversary too. I know the feeling. Still struggling until now, especially that I feel like I have more burdens this time

I remember you having to go through that.
Even as you still had unresolved issues with him.
Building a business and supporting your family is a lot on your shoulders.
With your father gone, the right thing to do is to support the remaining family.

When my father passed away, as the eldest I had to take charge of my mom and my siblings until they could stand on their feet.
!LADY
!HUG

I think I'll be 40 by then 😅

Debbie may be gone physically, but she's still alive through her orchid, and the best thing is that with your TLC the orchid will always be there with you.

I love this time of the year when I can gorge on the mooncakes again, but I must cut down a bit, I think the sweetness is catching up with me, I can feel it in my body and teeth

I will always see her Orchid next to me at my dinner table every day. And I have her remains in an urn on my bookshelf for safe keeping until the day she is buried with me. I already have a place reserved for us when that day comes. We'll be 'roommates' again. ❤️
!LUV
!LADY

I'm tempted to stock up on more of theses Mooncakes when they start getting discounted on the week of the Autumn festival.

Apparently my sister says they're very easy to make, she makes them every year. I rely on her supply 😁

It might be worth trying, though wrestling with Parkinson's I no longer have the fine motor skills.
Two egg yolks in a red lotus paste will be my version. I'll have to find out where to get the form mold for the shell.
🤗

2 years… it is so surreal to still be moving through the mundane bits of life when the most important people in this life are gone. Then when the BIG days come, joyful days, hard days… not having those folks to share it with just really sucks. You gave Deb a place to live… and together it became a home. Sending you big love on this anniversary. 🖤🖤

You've had a pretty rough few years yourself and so I know you understand what I have gone through.
I have many good memories of Debbie to draw some joy from.

Thank you @dfinney 🤗❤️
!LADY
!LUV


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This is such a beautiful tribute to your dear friend, Debbie 🙌 I'm deeply touched by the story about how you tricked her into moving into your new house, which is just perfect and shows the depth of your solid friendship 💕 May her orchid continue to bloom brightly every August, keeping her memory alive and warm 🙏 🥰

Furthermore, I have her remains stored in a beautiful Cherry wood urn on my book shelf at this time, I have acquired a plot with a lovely setting as my final resting place. Debbie will be interred with me when that time comes.
Friends forever ❤️

So sorry @kerrislravenhill. I know its a tough day for you. I wish you peace and love.

Thank you @fat-elvis
The feeling of loss is cumulative.
Debby in 2023, my mom in 2024, then my online BF Danny last May. He was growing so fond of me. I missed our long chats.
!LUV

A tough day, Kerris. That Bloody Raven quote really hits hard. Sending good vibes your way. ❤️

The last three years have been tough.
On top of losing my roommate to cancer in Sept 2023, I lost my Mother in August 2024 and another dear friend just this may of 2025. I have got to keep fighting this depression off me.
My sons still depend on me.
❤️
!HUG

Kerris she is watching you daily. Keep the faith, good things will come.

Thanks @silverd510 I know she's cheering me on from afar.
!HUG

Time passes quickly, people leave good footprints, memories that make us always remember them.

We had plenty of good memories to go by.
Thanks for dropping by @lupega
!LUV

Thank You for Sharing your Friend with the World Ms. Ravenhill @kerrislravenhill

!LUV
!LADY
!PIZZA

Thank you @stokjockey
Debbie made a fine co-Stacker as well as a faithful and reliable friend.
She'd remind me to keep reading God's word.

!LUV
!HUG
!LADY


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RIP Debbie,

Keep stacking!

Thank you for dropping in @chinito

!HUG

It's nice to know someone remembers you fondly. I'm sure she knows how much you appreciated her.

I miss her hilarious cackle, warm company, grace and thoughtful wisdom.
!LADY

Cheers to Debbie! She was blessed to you such a good friend as you 🖤

!LUV
!HUG
!LADY


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Congratulations you have been manual curated and upvoted by @ecency

!HUG
!PIMP
!BBH
!HOPE

Thank you @stresskiller

You received an upvote of 100% from Precious the Silver Mermaid!

Thank you for contributing more great content to the #SilverGoldStackers tag.
You have created a Precious Gem!

!LADY


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PIZZA!

$PIZZA slices delivered:
stokjockey tipped kerrislravenhill
@geneeverett(5/20) tipped @kerrislravenhill

Come get MOONed!


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@kerrislravenhill, You have received 1.0000 LOH for posting to Ladies of Hive.
We believe that you should be rewarded for the time and effort spent in creating articles. The goal is to encourage token holders to accumulate and hodl LOH tokens over a long period of time.

!LADY !PIZZA !ALIVE !BBH


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