When someone dies…
A woman died Sunday. Her name was Alice. I want the world to know. Mature, but younger than I, she was taking care of a veteran – not because she was paid, but because he was her friend. No, she was not rich – worked two part-time jobs – never married, no children.
Was her life easy with no challenges? No, it never was. But, she found a special gift in her heart of compassion and friendship. She preferred to live independently. I respected her. So, who cares that in the process, she fell from a massive heart attack. With no money, no savings, no insurance, she died within hours at the hospital.
Was she my friend? No, not really – so, why did I cry when I heard the news today?
Why did you post? John Donne’s answer seems good…
No man is an island entire of itself; every man
is a piece of the continent, a part of the main;
if a clod be washed away by the sea, Europe
is the less, as well as if a promontory were, as
well as a manor of thy friends or of thine
own were; any man’s death diminishes me,
because I am involved in mankind.
And therefore never send to know for whom
the bell tolls; it tolls for thee.
I appreciate you, Linda. I subscribed to that site – for explanation of answers to my questions.
Often some of the most special people are hard to notice unless you are around them for a period of time. It is great that you did notice her and appreciated what she did for those around her
So many kind, generous people go quietly while no one is listening. I’m sure she would appreciate that you listened.
I came upon the following lyrics within MINUTES of reading this eulogy– I had just heard Annie Lennox sing it for only the second time ever, and needed to get the lyrics to understand them all (my hearing ain’t what it usta be).
I know I’m looney, but I felt I was being ‘told’ to post them here.
If you feel your tear ducts have been underutilized lately, I recommend you get to hear the recording soon…
INTO THE WEST (from Lord of the Rings)
Lay down
Your sweet and weary head
Night is falling
You’ve come to journey’s end
Sleep now
And dream of the ones who came before
They are calling
From across the distant shore
Why do you weep?
What are these tears upon your face?
Soon you will see
All of your fears will pass away
Safe in my arms
You’re only sleeping
[Chorus]
What can you see
On the horizon?
Why do the white gulls call?
Across the sea
A pale moon rises
The ships have come to carry you home
And all will turn
To silver glass
A light on the water
All souls pass
Hope fades
Into the world of night
Through shadows falling
Out of memory and time
Don’t say: “We have come now to the end”
White shores are calling
You and I will meet again
And you’ll be here in my arms
Just sleeping
[Chorus]
What can you see
On the horizon?
Why do the white gulls call?
Across the sea
A pale moon rises
The ships have come to carry you home
And all will turn
To silver glass
A light on the water
Grey ships pass
Into the West
That conveys the message better than most … life isn’t over. Best not put a fence around the trinity – might make it more difficult to find the gate to follow destiny. Who chooses to be blind – no one.
Why did you cry? Because you instinctively recognized that the world will be a poorer place without her.
How do you know that? When I read your comment, it hit me. Something inside of me was ahead of my brain. I remember feeling an immediate sense of sadness, and started to cry as if she was my best friend. It confused me and probably the woman that gave me the news. Yes, you knew why – thank you.
This is so sweet of you to post. The world is listening. Maybe not the entire world, but I am, and that is one more person than before. May she rest in peace.
Thank you, Jacqlyn. It’s people like her that make me feel I don’t do enough for other people. She’s earned a peaceful rest.
By the way, your blog is lovely – I enjoy reading it.
Hi,
She sounds like she was a very beautiful and caring Lady, it is a sad day indeed for the world to lose someone like this.