Farewell to Our Friend, Audrae

1931-2022

BY SUSAN SMITH-GRIER

When someone special comes in your life, To share your dreams and help though strife When they truly care and lift you up Those days that sadness fills your cup, Appreciate the gift of friendship.

Our paths had crossed throughout the years And then we met, shared joys and tears. She shared life stories, her ups, her downs. She shared her laughs, her smiles and frowns. We cherished our gift of friendship.

Audrae wrote of days gone by, Of simpler times that met her eye. Not always easy, not always fun She wrote of life ‘til it was done. She shared the gift of friendship.

Through poems and stories, the words she shared She let us know how much she cared. She lived with love and passion true Her words often encouraged you. Such a gift, her friendship.

They say a writer never dies, She just flows on to other skies. Audrae left her mark behind With stories, poems and acts so kind. I’ll miss her gentle friendship.

You never know, it seems my friend, Where life is going in the end. It’s filled with valleys and mountain views So, if you have a chance to choose, Always go for the gift of friendship. Sweet Audrae, you will be missed by your Her Voice family and Homer’s group.

Susan J. Smith-Grier, mother, grandmother, writer, storyteller, blogger, and Reading Corps tutor of early elementary kids, enjoys the changing seasons of Minnesota lake country. She lives for those moments when the possibilities light up the eyes of her awesome school kids and delights in the power of words and story.

HER FAREWELL

+ poetry

Audrae Gruber, May 28, 1931 -- March 31, 2022. “Savor the journey.”