Happy Easter to everyone. We are experiencing more sadness in this cottage as we learned of the passing of two of our friends yesterday. Both men were part of the The Old Globe Theater, the place where Don and I met, and where we both spent so many years of our working life.
Raul was a stage manager who I adored and worked with many times. He was a true gentleman, kind, funny and gracious – a man of great integrity. He fought chronic illness for years with grace and dignity. He traveled the world. He was recovering at home from heart surgery – well on his way, we thought, to a full recovery when he died quietly in his sleep.
As I was trying to cope with the news of Raul’s passing, my husband broke the news to me that Craig Noel, founder of the Old Globe, also passed away yesterday at the age of 94. Craig was the most wonderful of men – I was so lucky to have known and worked with him. He was also a mentor to my husband. Craig discovered Don when he was a teenager and helped guide him into the world of professional theater – he gave him his Equity card, as well.
Craig had a wicked sense of humor, a true passion for theater, a generous spirit and oh, the stories he could tell. When our lives took us from the west to the east, we would call Craig on holidays. Last summer when I was working in San Diego, Don and I spent an afternoon with Craig. At 93, he was very frail but we caught him on a good day. We reminisced together about productions, people, places and we laughed and laughed. I am so grateful we had that time together.
I worked on many shows that were stage managed by Raul and directed by Craig. How strange that they left us on the same day.
Too much loss lately…too much loss.
Dearest Claudia,
I’m too sorry for words. Please accept my condolences for the passing of such good friends. You have endured much lately, and I’m sorry, please know that you are much in my prayers and thoughts, especially on this Easter Day. May God bless you and help ease your pain.
Hugs,
Meri
so sorry to hear of your loss, may you find comfort in knowing your dear friends are celebrating Easter with our Risen Lord this year!
Hi Claudia:
I hope that the promises of the Resurrection will hold solace for you and Don today and always. May God comfort you in your losses and may your grief turn to joyful memories as you heal.
xoxo
Donna
Claudia,
So very sorry to hear of your losses. Your words are beautiful and a tribute to them.
Carol
So sad, especially at Easter. Love to you and Don.
Big hugs dear one! You have had too much to deal with lately. I do hope you have sunshine and a quiet day to feel all the love. You need it.
Much love and hugs, Lisa
Claudia,
I’m so sorry for the loss of your dear friends. We, too, have lost many friends these past couple of years and it doesn’t get any easier. We cherish the times we were able to spend with them and keep the memories alive.
Sending you wishes for joy and happiness on this bright Sunday. Know I’m thinking of you and yours!
Happy Easter…
Coralie
Oh, Claudia, I am so sorry. You and Don have suffered so much loss these last couple of weeks.
This Easter they are risen with the Lord.
Sending you a big hug,
Marsha
Hi Claudia,
Sorry to hear of the passing of your dear friends.
Big hugs to you and Don.
I am so very sorry for your loss Claudia. They say things come in threes so I sincerely hope things have nowhere to go from here but up. Your friends sound like amazing men who led their lives doing their greatest passion, would that we could all live that way.
I hope despite your loss you and your husband find some small piece of happiness on this Easter Day.
I am so sorry you are sad…hope you find some peace today, EAster Sunday!
I am so very sorry dear Claudia. The heading of your post is so fitting. Don’t grieve for their loss, rather celebrate their lives and the joy they brought to yours. Lives well lived is all we can ask for, and they lived theirs so fully.
God Bless,
Susan and Bentley
xxoo
(((Claudia))) I’m so sorry for these losses . . . and they come at such a challenging time for you both. It seems our hearts get heavier the older we get, many losses to carry with us. I’m so sorry.
Oh Claudia. I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your friends. My best friend’s father passed away last week. He was 89 and had been in the IATSE for over 70 years and was so proud when he got his gold card. His memorial is on the 20th and I am told that there are stage hands coming from all over the US. I wonder if the three men knew each other.
Hi Claudia, I am so sorry for the loss of two dear friends. It sounds as if they were indeed special men, and lived their lives with purpose and joy.
As you said, lives well lived.
I lost a friend also unexpectedly the week before last, she was the last person I would have expected to simply … well, die. It is always hard to say goodbye, but we take away the lesson to love and appreciate our dear ones while we are with them.
A blessed weekend to you — Cass
Dear Claudia, I am so very sorry to hear about the loss of your two dear friends. It is always so hard.
Know I am thinking of you and have you in my prayers, my friend.
With sympathy,
Kary
I’m so sorry Claudia…
How difficult to manuver through these losses…
So nice of you to share what these two men ment to both of you…they would be pleased I’m sure…
May you all have a wonderful reunion someday!
Sorry that this is the Easter that is not so Happy…
You are loved,
xoxo~Kathy @
Sweet Up-North Mornings…
You have had more than your share of loss lately, Claudia. I’m so sorry.
Brenda
That’s so sad, it was actually the same for me when my dad passed away, then my mothers’ brother in Italy passed, and then my mother’s brother-in-law. One after another.
It’s never an easy thing to hear about, but especially harder when it’s all grouped together like that.
i feel for you.
ciao bella
carmelina
Claudia- I am so sorry- wish I could give you a big hug.
oh claudia,
i’m so sorry to hear your sad news.
sending big, warm hugs.
xo
elyse
I’m so sorry to hear of your losses this past few days, Claudia. Your friends sound as though they had long, creative and fruitful lives.
Thinking of you.
Di
My heart is heavy for you. I am so sorry that you have lost two wonderful men in your life. I send hugs to you. It sounds like you have sweet memories of both men.
Hugs, Cory
I’m sorry you’ve had so much pain and loss lately…….I think you’ve written a beautiful little tribute to your friends today…..
XO
Robin
Awe Claudia, I’m so sorry.
I’m not sure what to tell you as sometimes, words just shouldn’t be spoken…only a shoulder to lean on should be given.
However, Donna (Brynwood) above said it beautifully.
Peace Claudia~
So sorry to hear your sad news … I enjoyed reading your tribute to both of your friends.
jennifer
Claudia,
My sympathies to you and your husband at the loss of your dear friends.
Gwen
May the sweet memories of these two remarkable men be etched in your heart and mind forever.
peace,
becky
Hi Claudia, I just found this post and wanted to let you know how sorry I am for your loss of two wonderful people. You and Don have both suffered so much loss lately – I hope life begins bringing you some bits of joy very shortly! Ciao, bella!
Oh Claudia, I’m so sorry. I do know how you feel. Life is interesting how it comes at us so fast at times. All we can do is hold on to those around us, and love each other through.
xo
Lena