Friday, October 24, 2008
A time to mourn, a time to dance
My lovely Aunt Carol passed away 2 days ago in a relatively sudden fashion. I'm not quite sure what to think as I'm in shock, but I know that I am sad. She's my Mom's older sister and is a huge inspiration in my life. Although it ultimately wasn't what caused her passing (but I'm sure it didn't help), she has lived for years upon years with multiple sclerosis. She had so much struggle with her physical body...and she was always so upbeat, loving, friendly, positive and humorous. I remember asking her how she got that way and she admitted that it wasn't easy at first...that she'd had a bout of depression after hearing the news she had this disease. She soon realized, though, that allowing herself to wallow was not helping her and wasn't serving a purpose in her favor. She decided to become proactive and she learned all she could about her condition...all while exploring new treatments and experimental drugs. This attitude, in light of so many adversities she has had in her life even besides the MS, has been a huge influence on how I handle adversity myself and how I choose to handle difficult times. I live by her example and am so grateful to her for showing us that even in the darkest of times we can find humor, a smile, a sense of acceptance to what we've been dealt. I will truly miss her, but I am excited for her and her new journey. I am pleased to know that she can move around effortlessly now and travel anywhere she wants as she couldn't before. I've already spoken to her as I briefly felt her nearby yesterday...and I felt an overwhelming sense of calm and peace. For now, I know that it is our time to mourn and her time to dance.
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5 comments:
Megan, I'm SO sorry about your loss. Your words are really beautiful and reflective and I know she's going to be by your side watching you for the rest of your life :) You were lucky to know her during her time on earth.
I am so sorry to hear about your aunt. I love how you ended this post though, that she is able to move freely now, that is a really nice way to be thinking of her now.
take care.
What a beautiful tribute to your aunt. I'm so sorry to hear of her death, but I am glad to know you are feeling her presence. Thinking of you lots.
I'm at a loss of what to say...Our time to mourn and her time to dance, the whole thing, it's just beautiful. I'm so glad you wrote about her passing as you have a perspective that I hadn't fully considered yet. I realized that she wasn't in pain, but never really thought through her ability to move freely now. Thanks for that perspective. She also influenced me on handling adversity. It's not what life gives you, it's how you choose to deal with what life gives you that matters. She epitomized that very important life lesson. I'm glad she visited with you. I sincerely believe that's true. She came to me today as I was on the phone talking about her. A female cardinal came to my window. I have no doubt... Love you!!
Dorie
Megan, thank-you for your beautiful words about your aunt. Your thoughts have touched my heart.
You should know that she spoke of you often, and kept me informed about your life. She was very proud of you and it is a comfort to me that you found inspiration in the way she handled adversity. What a wonderful legacy she has left to us all.
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