Sunday, February 28, 2010
Life Lessons
We moved to Florida more than 20 years ago, leaving behind most of our family and friends. It was a difficult thing to do, but we knew we had made the right decision when we met our neighbors. All of them were lovely people, but we had a particular fondness for our next door neighbors, John and Lucy. From the first time I met Lucy I knew she was a special person. There was something about her smile that would put you at ease, that made you feel happy to be in her presence. And Lucy was a champion hugger. For some reason I always felt comforted when she hugged me, and could feel her love and caring eminate from it.

About 6 years ago we moved, but Lucy and I made a point of staying in close touch. Last year Lucy called with bad news. They had discovered cancer, a rare form. Initially the prognosis was good. Unfortunately the surgery, chemo, and other experimental treatments they tried, did not work. Sadly Lucy passed away last week. Although I have experienced a great deal of loss the last few years, for some reason this particular loss has been very difficult to process.

The last time I saw Lucy I knew she was struggling to accept her illness, and the uncertainly that came with it. She was trying hard to be positive, and to have faith. When we spoke a few weeks later she was much more peaceful and seemed to have come to terms with the situation. Lucy was a person of great faith, and I believe she found peace by enjoying life as much as possible, and leaving the rest in God's hands.

Her passing has been filled with reminders. How precious life is. How fleeting it can be. How this moment is all we really have, and we need to do whatever we can to make the most of it. Most importantly Lucy has been the lesson that the kind of life you live does matter. Because when you live it the right way, you will never be forgotten.

I have no doubt that heaven is a brighter, more beautiful place now that Lucy is there...sharing her smile and hugs with all who have gone before her. And I know there are many people beside myself who will never, ever forget her - and the amazing, wonderful woman she was. ~ Andrea
Written at 5:10 PM by Andrea.
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