Do not go gentle

June 18, 2025

do-not-go-gentle

She’s left us.

I thought maybe she’d make it to 100–wanted her to, for sure–but 95 is a good, old age and she lived it fully to the end.

Wait. You’re thinking some old lady, limping along with multiple impairments?

Don’t even go there.

Because her energy, her enthusiasm for life — joie d’vivre—she put people 50 years her junior to shame. And stubborn? OMG was she stubborn! She knew her mind and although she could be indirect, she was always a clear communicator.

do-not-go-gentle

My bestie with my Benji. I hope she found him at the Rainbow Bridge.

She was a huge part of my life and became an important part of Michael’s. She was “Grammy” to our dogs, starting with my Riley, whom she knew from puppyhood. A frequent guest on our patio, she often held Benji in her lap, especially as he aged.

She never aged. Not ’til the very end.

Cutie and her Grammy had a…difficult…relationship at first. But over the years they grew on each other and the last few, Cutie also sought the place of honor–Grammy’s lap. (We won’t talk about the time years ago she bit her…”It was my fault!” Grammy insisted. And she was right)

She was a playwright.  A clever one. Funny, too.. Writing plays was how she processed her life and as I got to know her, I recognized characters, situations, family–always disguised of course–but always touching on some part of her life.

I even forgave her mentioning a character suspiciously like me and calling her a “neurotic bitch”. Because, well, I am. Of course she stole that line from her son, another writer, but that’s a different story.

We understood one another.

The loss is so new it’s hard to put her importance to me into words right now. I’m not even sure anyone but us would understand it.

She changed my life in so many ways. She held my confidences. She gave advice and never shied away from the tough stuff. When she insisted on calling me her “bestie” I was honored.

To lose that person? It’s excruciating.

Here’s the truth. She was beloved in my life. I don’t know what I’ll do without her.

She is at peace now. It’s me that’s the mess.

Many years ago, we set up a signal that the first one to go would send the other. I’m waiting for it. And when it comes, I’ll definitely tell you about it here.

To my dearest, dearest bestie:

I love you beyond measure. Until the end of time.

do-not-go-gentle

Estalee “Lee” B. Brady 1929-2025

26 comments on “Do not go gentle
  1. Parri says:

    I got a lump in my throat reading this. ❤️ So sorry about the loss of someone so significant in your life. I hope she reaches out. I lost my best friend a few years ago, and she did, more than once. ❤️

  2. Nina Gaby says:

    And reach out she will. Death can’t contain that degree of energy! Xoxo

  3. Evalyn Baron says:

    Carol….no! I can’t believe this lovely artist, this lover of all things theater, this prolific playwright is gone. How bereft you and Michael feel I can only imagine. Sending you love….

  4. Jennifer says:

    I’m so sorry, Carol. Lee sounds just like the perfect friend you would have in your life. I’m sure you’ll get your sign soon.

  5. Donna says:

    I lost just such a friend 8 years ago. I knew it was coming as she had terrible cancer, but when it did, it was horrible. I found a book she had given me and then found notes she left i hadn’t seen before. Such a gift. I won’t understand it, the loss is profound, her family is flailing, so I put it in a box and set it on a shelf. Someday I’ll know. But for now I just live with the loss, and wonder why she left and I stayed.

  6. Donna says:

    Carol! My reply was all about me, I’m so sorry. I hope you continue to write about her, words help you process. I wish you peace and lunch with friends who knew her…talk about her, enjoy your friendship out loud.

  7. Kristine says:

    So sorry for your loss Carol, sending lots of love X

  8. ME says:

    beautiful

  9. Diane says:

    I’m so sorry that you are missing her precious presence.
    Someone that special to you is family. And Family is Forever!
    I have no doubt she will be contacting you.
    And it will be unmistakable!

  10. So sorry for the aching loss so new. What a special and inspiring person to know and 💕 love.

  11. Michele says:

    Your loss is unconsolable but let your memories sustain you through your sadness. There is so much to remember and treasure ♥️
    She said the darndest things at the most opportune times.
    She was a masterful playwright and she wrote her final script. May she rest in peace 🙏❤️
    Besties forevermore 💟

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