A Tribute to My Friend

It’s funny that my last post was about friendship. As you can no doubt tell, friends are very important to me. I value their presence in my life and do not take the good will they return lightly.

Yesterday I got bad news. One of my favorite client-turned-friend had died. Although she was about 25 younger than I, I considered her to be a friend. I was a friend with her Mother first, when she was growing up, and then as newly married young woman she contracted breast cancer, and through our work together, she and I became fast friends.

My friend came to me as she had heard through her Mom that I did bodywork and could help her move through her treatment. So she decided to undergo Western medicine surgery/chemo/radiation and at the same time do some alternative treatments to bolster her health, remove toxins from her energy field. She did all this with a smile on her face, love in her heart, and a stalwart hope that she would finally be well.

The first challenge ended in victory. She was clear for several years and for as long as we lived in Chicago, she would fly in from another state far away, visit her family, and have some bodywork sessions. After we left the area she and I would occasionally be in town at the same time and she would come to me for what we laughingly called her “tune ups”.

Several more years passed though, and I had not heard from her this year since Christmas. Her Christmas card did not carry the same energy as all the previous ones and I began to suspect something was up. I finally emailed her on Monday, the day she passed away. Her valiant fight was over and she was at peace. Her husband who as a young groom took on the news of his wife’s cancer with courage and commitment must be devastated that their worst fears were finally realized. Her parents and her brother must be devastated too. The problem is that like Princess Diana, my friend carried so much light and joy. There wasn’t a person in the world who thought ill of her. The world is a bit dimmer because she has left it.

My friend was one of those unique people who lit up a room when she entered. She always made people feel at ease and cared for. She was a good listener and always was optimistic. She loved her family and friends deeply and was devoted to them. She was there for everyone and everyone was there for her. You just couldn’t not be. She was that kind of special person.

I wish you, too, had known her. Your life would be much richer because of her. Perhaps you have your own special friend who brings this to your life. If you do, cherish your friend, for the days are short.

“Ancient Egyptians believed that upon death they would be asked two questions and their answers would determine whether they could continue their journey in the afterlife. The first question was, “Did you bring joy?” The second one was “Did you find joy?” (Leo Buscaglia) If this is indeed the criterion, my friend is well on her way in her journey!

Charles Caleb Colton said, “True friendship is like sound health: the value of it is seldom known until it be lost.” I feel sad to have lost my friend but feel secure in knowing that what we had will continue beyond false barriers such as death. I know she is still my friend. I know she will be with me in my heart for the rest of my own life. I know that my life is better for having known her.

And for her, I like to think of Walter Scott’s quote:
“Death….the last sleep?
No, it is the final awakening.”

Enjoy your journey, dear friend. I will meet up with you before we know it!