Posted by Mariella (Maria) on September 30, 2010, 3:38 pm
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Hello Everyone. This is the first time I have ever had the need to visit this page on the site, and so I consider myself blessed. I am a novice at this so please bear with me. I am also spiritually-oriented and I draw my strength from my faith. I would never offend anyone intentionally, so I hope I don't do so unintentionally either.
That being said, I lost a very close friend a week ago tomorrow. When I was first diagnosed with breast cancer almost 2.5 years ago, she was one of the first coworkers I told, and I was SO richly rewarded by her for opening up. In her I found a friend who truly understood where I was coming from because she had been there. She always put others' needs before her own. As one example, I had to have two surgeries and in between I went on vacation. I didn't know until I got back that Tina had found out--BEFORE I left--that she had had a recurrence. She didn't want her news to ruin my trip. How selfless can you be?
When I was diagnosed she got me a little care package and one of the things she got me was a book called "Uplift: stories from the Sisterhood of Breast Cancer Survivors". In her memory I plan to give away my own copies to newly diagnosed women; I just recently completed the application process to be a Reach to Recovery volunteer.
Anyway, I see some familiar names on this page, so I know some posters know me and if you remember me at all, you know that I tend to write poetry as a coping mechanism. I wrote a poem about Tina's passing and another dear friend (you know who you are!) suggested I post it here. I hope it is helpful to someone struggling to say goodbye.
In Memoriam:
You were such a kind and gentle soul
And nobody can fill the space
Which you left vacant when you passed on
No longer tethered to this lonesome place
You always shared a kind word or two
And you truly never met a stranger
With your perfect faith in God above
You felt no fear in the face of danger
For you knew without a shadow of doubt
That something awesome was in store for you
And that certainty helped you withstand the pain
As those final breaths you drew.
And I am certain when the end did come
You felt the loving embrace of friends
Holding you gently as you journeyed home
Awaiting the day we see you again.
Until that time you will always be
A source of peace for those left behind
And you will live on as much in our actions
As you do in our hearts and minds.
REST IN PEACE, T-BUG
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