the passing of a friend and chocolate chip cookies.

I found out this morning that a dear colleague of mine passed away. Two months ago. And I never even knew. My heart is heavy. And I feel awful.

How does so much time pass between friends? How does something so awful happen, and I not know?

I’ve known Bob for over twenty years. Even as I write this, I can’t believe how long it’s been. He owned a small print shop in the town I used to live in and we’ve been doing business together for years. I moved away several years ago but still gave him whatever business I could. Not because I couldn’t find anything closer than the hour that now separated us, but because they are good people, who do good work. And Bob and I were friends.

When I first started Gourmet Recipes for One our conversations slowly shifted from design to food, and Bob was so excited about this site that he printed my first set of business cards for free. As a thank you, I made him cookies. Chocolate chip cookies. His favorite.

As years passed, I made him many other varieties of cookies for the holidays and as random gifts for being really good to me, as a person, and as a client. He was always thankful. And always requested my chocolate chip cookies for the next time, whenever that would be.

When I heard the news this morning, all I could think about through my streaming tears were chocolate chip cookies. I have a big hole in my heart today because of a long lost friend who slipped away into the night without me even knowing it. I feel awful. And sad. His death appeared to be quick and for that I am grateful. In honor of his life, I made a batch of his favorite cookies and will share them with the people I care most about. This batch is for you Bob. You were a good friend, and I will miss you terribly.

For the chocolate chip cookies recipe, click on the link.