This morning, after Lucy skipped off to daycare with Eric and Alice was sleeping, I watched the last two episodes of Golden Girls over a plate of whole grain waffles and blueberries.

I thought it was a fitting tribute to Bea Arthur, who died Saturday of cancer, at 86. Bea is the second of my beloved Golden Girls to pass away: Estelle Getty — who played Dorothy’s mother Sophia — died last summer (post here).

The final episode, during which Dorothy gets married to Blanche’s Uncle Lucas (played by Canadian funnyman Leslie Nielsen), always makes my chest fill with emotion: Sadness for the end, happiness that Dorothy finally finds fulfillment, irony that it’s Dorothy that gets hitched, gratitude and pain and sorrow. Today I realized just how appropriate the last scene is for Bea’s passing.

Indulge me. The girls are in the famous living room — filled with light green and pink fabric and rattan furniture a la Miami 80s — and Dorothy is leaving with Lucas (waiting in the car).

Rose: What can you say about seven years of fights and laughter, secrets…cheesecake?

Dorothy: It’s been very…it’s been an experience that I’ll always keep close to my heart. These are memories I’ll wrap myself in when the world gets cold and I forget that there are people who are wam and loving.

*all hugging*

Blanche: You’ll always be a part of us.

Dorothy: Your friendship was something I never expected at this point in my life. And I could never have asked for a better surprise.

Blanche: That’s how we feel, too.

Dorothy: I have to go.

Rose: Dorothy? Is this goodbye?

Dorothy: *nods* I love you. Always.

*leaves, but comes back in running and crying hug again*

Dorothy: You’re angels. All of you.

And now you, Bea Arthur. Thank you for gracing me with so much happiness and comfort.

I can now add “transcribed last minutes of Golden Girls” into the list of most time-wasting and ridiculous things I’ve ever done…

Possibly related posts:

1. The cable vortex has sucked us in
2. Bits — with birthday!
3. R.I.P. Sophia
4. Loss
5. How to get a great workout even if you didn’t want one