Sometimes, the most unexpected relationships leave the deepest marks on our lives. This is a story about my dear friend Lynn, the cornerstone of a friendship that began during a time of isolation and grew into something beautiful, meaningful, and unforgettable.
An Unexpected Friendship
Lynn, Julie and I had been casual friends, meeting at work and sharing brief conversations here and there. Lynn, officially retired in March of 2020, but her final day of work came in February. That same month, I made the difficult decision to leave my husband-a time of uncertainty and emotional upheaval for me.
Julie and I was invited to Lynn’s retirement party – shortly after that the world shutdown. COVID came, and everything paused. In that moment, it would have been easy for our connection to fade into the background. But it didn’t.
What began as a casual friendship grew into something much deeper. Lynn reached out, and her kindness came at a time when I needed it the most. She had a way of making you feel seen, valued, and supported – even when the rest of the world felt distant and overwhelming.
A Growing Circle
As the days turned into weeks and months, our friendship grew to include not only Julie, but her husband Jeff. He completed our 4some. We weren’t just friends; we became a team. We shared laughter, stories, and most importantly, a shared love for a certain card game – euchre.
The Clubhouse
The heart of our euchre adventures was Lynn’s garage, affectionately dubbed “The Clubhouse.” It wasn’t fancy or glamorous, but it was ours. The walls echoed with our laughter, the shuffle of cards, and the occasional (okay, frequent) playful arguments over trump cards and misdeals.
Lynn’s garage wasn’t just a place to play cards. It was a haven – a place where we could let go of the world outside and simply enjoy each other’s company. There were nights filled with triumphs, nights of hilarious mistakes, and nights where the game was secondary to the conversations and connections we shared.
What Lynn Meant to Me
Lynn was the glue that held us all together. She was more than a friend, she was the sister I never had. She was my family. Her presence lit up every gathering, and her spirit made everything we did together feel a little brighter.
She taught me that the most important moments in life often happen in the simplest settings. It wasn’t about the cards or the garage or even the circumstances that brought us together – it was about thee people, our family.
A New Beginning
As I reflect on Lynn and all she meant to me, I know that her impact will continue to shape my life. She taught me the value of connection, of letting people in when you least expect it, and of finding joy in the little things.
Though life has changed, and there may be a new seat at the euchre table, Lynn’s spirit will always be with us. Every time I shuffle a deck of cards, laugh at an inside joke, or gather with friends, I’ll think of her and the memories we created in that little garage clubhouse.
This is not an end. It’s a new beginning – one filled with gratitude for the time we had and a promise to carry her legacy forward.
Lynn, you were, and always will be the 4th card player in my heart. Thank you for everything.
The 4th Card Player 
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