All we as humans can hope for is a life full of love, laughter, value, family and friends. It is difficult when a pillar of your family dies, but if there was suffering and they were ready to go, it is possible to remember them with a smile instead of a tear. I know this because I lost a parent years ago. In my mind, it was too soon. But, what was the alternative? Illness (in his case, cancer) has a way of breaking your body and your spirit and yet my dad went to work, kept a positive attitude, and participated in life for as long as he could. "Why are you still sleeping", he'd say to me "It is too nice a morning to spend it sleeping" and of course he was right. He was right about a lot of things. So when he said "do not resuscitate me", when the time came, we honored his wishes. Still, it was too soon and my life changed that day.
My aunt recently passed away and now I find myself recalling my memories of her, those home-cooked meals that she fed to all of the relatives who found their way to her doorstep every Thanksgiving, the kindness she showed me (such as throwing me a Sweet 17 party, the only surprise birthday party I've ever had). But my greatest memory of her was also a lesson to me. She showed me (and most likely others who knew her) the definition of inner strength and determination and for that I always will be grateful.
No comments:
Post a Comment