Wednesday, July 22, 2009

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!

25 comments:

  1. May her family be blessed with strength and great peace.

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  2. I did not know your friend, but I do feel that my life is richer because of your tribute to her. Her spirit probably shines a little brighter for having had you in her life. Peace to you.

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  3. I'm so sorry for the loss of your friend. How fortunate for her that you were with her on much of her journey; to have that friendship must've given her much strength.

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  4. Diantha, I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. This is a beautiful tribute to a woman who, no doubt, has affected many with her life giving energy.

    Much love to you, my friend.
    Carolynn

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  5. Oh hon..I'm so very sorry. It's so hard to loose those you love!! It sounds like she brought great joy to your life!!! Aren't we blessed to have folks like this in our lives?? Huge gentle hugs to you!! Namaste,Sarah

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  6. Joanne, Carolynn, Sarah and Laura, Thank you for your condolences. Thankfully I have a very strong faith and believe she is flying with angels now....and yes, I will miss her, but will always cherish the fact that she was in my life. I feel very fortunate. Hard to loose a friend but knowing she is well finally is a blessing. Thanks to you all for checking in...xo

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  7. Tabitha and Mama of 6, thank you so much for your kinds words. I really appreciate them....xo

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  8. My deepest condolences to you Diantha on the loss of your friend whom you obviously loved dearly. Convey my heartfelt sympathies to her family.

    I pray that the light and joy she exuded will continue to glow in the beautiful memories she left behind.

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  9. What a beautiful tribute to your friend, none could ask for a better one. I am so sorry Diantha for the loss of your friend, but it is not forever as you know. Big hugs.

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  10. Cheryl and Annie, thank you for your kind words. M. will definitely be well remembered, especially her smile! Big hugs back to you both! xo

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  11. Diantha,

    This is such a beautiful and thought-provoking post. Your friend sounds like such a lovely soul and I am sure she will carry her light forward into new dimensions... I appreciate the quotes and concepts you shared too, especially the one held by the Egyptians. I love that and am going to jot it down in my journal. You are always such a wealth of inspiration. May your heart be buoyed by the memory of how you walked the earth with Joy with this special friend.

    p.s. I read somewhere lately (forgot where!) that when we die we finally get our "sparkle suit." Oh, I love that....

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  12. Jan, what a fabulous thing to think about: a SPARKLE SUIT! It really resonates! I'm sure M. is dressed out in the most sparkly of all! Thanks for such a wonderful concept to hold! xo

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  13. Thank you for sharing her story, and the Egyptian questions and quote. They all remind me to pay attention to everyone in my life, as any one of them, including myself, can pass away at any given moment.

    May those candles burn.

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  14. Mermaid, yes, may those candles burn! Thank you for your kind words.....xo

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  15. I am so sorry to hear about the earthy loss of your friend. Her spirit lives on in Eternity. That whisper of a breeze across your face, that slight touch you feel on your arm, the soft voice of leaves rustles through talking to you, speaking to you; she is there, your dear friend. May there be Peace and Understanding with you and her family in knowing that she is without pain, knowing she is joyful and is still sharing her joy with those that have gone before. Blessings to you, your family and your friends family ,always. Love and Light, Nina P.

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  16. Thanks, Nina. Your message is spot on. Thank you for your kindness and wisdom. xo

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  17. What a compassionate tribute to your friend, I believe that we will meet our friends and loved ones again, and I am sure that your friend is smiling at this wonderful message of her~ Thank you for sharing~

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  18. You are welcome and thank you for stopping by to comment. It means a lot to me...xo

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  19. Oh, Diantha, how did I miss this post! What a loving tribute to your dear friend. I am so sorry for you and her family left behind, but I am a firm believer that she is on to yet another amazing adventure and that her light shines on brightly! Not to a small extend through your love for her! Hugs, Silke

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  20. Oh Silke, what a kind thing to say! Thank you! I really appreciate your support and caring. xo

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  21. So sorry for your loss. May God bring you some kind of comfort at this time.

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  22. Diane, thank you for your blessing. I have indeed gotten much comfort from God. I am thankfully at peace. Thank you again....

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  23. I am so sorry for your loss. Your friend HAS made me a better person just by reading your words and wanting to find more joy and leave more joy before I go. Thank you.

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  24. Michele, (that was my friend's name!) I am so happy that she has had an influence on you as well. Many blessings and much joy to you! xo

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