mar's Desk

In Memory of a Kind and Gentle Friend

1/21/2015

Today, as this post is being published, hundreds of those whose lives sj has touched will gather at a funeral mass and burial to celebrate a life lived in humble service, gentle kindness and beautiful ministry of her faith.

sj was 74-years-old at the time of her death, yet seemed ethereal - eternally young to me. She had a smile of calm and peace, with a glimmer of wisdom in her at all times. She had a glorious laugh and an infectious sense of humor.

I could always find myself keeping it real with sj and I felt safe in her company to be myself. She truly accepted and loved me for who I was... how special and rare is that today? I never once was in sj's presence, even when she was dying, that she did not ask: "How are you doing, Maria?" And she listened to my responses, wanting to know still more ...

I'm beginning to see that sj was like this with everyone in her world...and she had a mighty big world. She genuinely cared about the little things in the grand scheme of things - perhaps an anxious student needed a reassuring smile or wink, perhaps an inconsolable friend needed a hugs and prayers, sj had the instincts of always knowing the right thing to do.

sj's area of expertise and instruction was Biology. Her command of the subject matter and clinical application of the principles, especially with my nursing students was extraordinary and will be forever missed.

Yet, anyone who spent even a little bit of time with sj would agree with the following quote...

"I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel."

Dr. Maya Angelou

I'm forever grateful that I was able to thank sj for her presence in my life, just one week before she died. I thanked her for being such a tower of strength to my whole family when I was critically ill in June, 1999 and for her loving prayers and support when both of my parents died.

She smiled serenely at the thought of joining Miss Sammie to pray for me -- I am already feeling this heavenly combination of support, guidance and love.

I will never forget you, sj... just as I thank you for never forgetting me. I will especially think of you as I dedicate this song - the epitome of you in my mind: Hail Mary, Gentle Woman

Before You Go...

Here are a few links I recommend you visiting...

Vicki's Spin On Life - Indie Biz: Consignment Store Shopping

From Loss to Living - Is "Real" Conversation Lost?

Nee's Desk - A New Year in Motion

Pumpkin Run Pulse - Indie Biz: New Harmony's Antique Emporium

Inspiration Station - Meet Shauna Bowling: The Inside Story

Thank you for the visit and hope to see you again for next Wednesday's edition.

Blessings,

mar

22 Comments

Gail Sobotkin

1/21/2015 12:01:34 am

Dear Maria,
Though I never had the honor and great blessing of meeting SJ in person, I feel I "know" her through you and can sense her kind, compassionate spirit, strong faith and loving protective reach.
This is a beautiful tribute to her and I shall keep her, you, and your family in my prayers today.
Blessings & Love,
Gail

Maria link

1/21/2015 12:17:28 pm

Dear Gail,

If you can sense sj's " kind, compassionate spirit, strong faith and loving protective reach", then you truly know her.

Your prayers and friendship are appreciated today and always, dear friend. Love and hugs, Maria

Shauna L Bowling link

1/21/2015 12:09:37 am

Maria, SJ touched so many lives. I've never met her, but I got to know her through you. She was a very special person whose soul can now wander free to soar with the angels and protect those of us on earth who can use God's ever-growing guiding light.

This is a beautiful tribute to her Mar. I know how hard her death has been on you. She's now at peace and gets to meet Jesus face to face. That's pretty incredible when you think about it.

Maria link

1/21/2015 12:22:14 pm

Oh Sha Sha,

One of my VERY favorite priests, Father Joe, gave the most moving Homily ever...not a dry eye in the house...he called sj - "Izzy".

His conclusion was for us all to sit back and imagine Izzy and Jesus side by side in heaven...smiling away and watching over us.

As you say, my dear, a "pretty incredible" thought, one that brings much peace and comfort to all of us who love her so.

Love you and big hugs, mar

Vicki

1/21/2015 12:33:45 am

Dear Maria,
Such a beautiful tribute to a woman who obviously did so much for others during her time on earth. I'm sure her laughter, good deeds, appreciation of others and gentle kindness overflowed just like that cornucopia of flowers you chose.
Condolences to you, your sister and everyone who knew and loved sj.
Love and hugs, Vicki

Maria link

1/21/2015 12:26:03 pm

Dear Vicki,

Thank you for giving me such a beautiful cornucopia to honor my tribute to sj with...she was so gracious with her flowers, often giving them to the kind nurses and staff who cared for her.

Your kindness and supportive friendship is a treasure indeed. Love you and hugs, Maria

Sannel Larson

1/21/2015 02:50:30 am

Dear Maria,
What a beautiful blessing to have had someone like sj in your life. I've been blessed with my very own sj in my life, so I know what a beautiful friendship, you two shared. And I know that you miss her very, very much, just like I miss my own dear, sweet sm. Actually, reading this, my tears are overflowing. . . .as I know yours are too.
This is a beautiful tribute to one beautiful woman, and I'm so glad to have read it.
It seems the older I get, the more I appreciate Dr. Maya Angelou's words: "I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel."
My prayers are with you , sm and her family.
My love and hugs,
Sannel

Maria link

1/21/2015 12:29:59 pm

Dear Sannel,

Your empathy and caring is as beautiful as you are. I am sorry for the loss of your dear sm as well - she sounds like a remarkable and beautiful lady as well.

Sending you big hugs and much love, Maria

Mike

1/21/2015 03:42:29 am

Hello mar. Your loss is real, though you had the opportunity to know this gentle soul and share in the warmth that was her soul. You have beautifully expressed your love for her. My hope is that you heal quickly and fill your heart with peace.

Maria link

1/21/2015 12:34:21 pm

Dear Mike,

You are a kind, comforting and supportive friend. I do hope you know how much that means to me. Have a peaceful night. Hugs, mar

Theresa

1/21/2015 12:06:02 pm

Dear Maria,

Thank you for sharing about your lovely friend, sj, who I know is smiling down at you from above, along with Miss Sammie. You are so blessed beyond measure to have known such a lovely soul in this life, one who truly allowed you to be who you are, truly caring, kind and full of compassion. I know she is deeply missed by all, and will forever be, for the love of that special kind of friendship never dies but lives on in one's heart forever. I know you have so many cherished memories of her and they will bring a smile to you until the time comes for you to see her and Miss Sammie again, then it will be time for new smiles for an eternity.

Please know you, sj and Carol are in my thoughts and prayers.

Love you,

Theresa

Maria link

1/21/2015 12:37:19 pm

Dear Theresa,

You would have loved sj's service today. It was a beautiful celebration of a truly good and humble woman.

Your prayers are very much appreciated and so are you, sweet T.

Love you and hugs, Maria

Genna

1/21/2015 12:40:40 pm

Dearest Maria…

I am deeply saddened to learn of SJ’s passing. What a beautiful soul. But she is now at peace, in a happier more gentle place, no longer having to fight this cruel disease. When those we dearly love travel to the other side, we can still sense their presence in our minds and hearts. As your wonderful Maya Angelou quote stated so well… what we carry with us “is how they made us feel.” These are blessings that enrich our lives every day.

My love and hugs…

Genna

Maria link

1/21/2015 12:50:55 pm

Dear Genna,

Thanks for your insightful and wise words of comfort ...your visit and friendship are so very much appreciated.

Take good care. Love and hugs, Maria

Kimmie

1/21/2015 11:49:22 pm

Dearest Maria,
I am so sorry for your loss and most of all the light in which sj touched so many here on earth. I have no doubt she is rejoicing as she sits at Jesus feet whom she served all her life. Her mission on earth was complete and has left a legacy of love and light. What more could anyone ask for. Of course you will miss her but like Miss Sammie she will be with you everyday in spirit and blessed memories. This was a beautiful tribute and I know she is smiling down on you today.
Love you much
Kimmie

Maria link

1/22/2015 11:07:13 pm

Dear Kimmie,

Your note is healing and filled with faith. Thank you ever so much for taking the time to visit and for your supportive and ongoing friendship.

Have a peaceful weekend. Love you and big hugs from PA, Maria

Sunshine

1/22/2015 12:52:35 am

Hi MM,
You painted a beautiful picture of sj, she touched so many people in her life and her spirit will live on...sending you some sunshine to help heal your ache. Xoxo

Maria link

1/22/2015 11:04:32 pm

I swear your sunshine has something magical in it...like a balm to me!

Thank you my sweet friend! Love you so much, MM

femmeflashpoint link

1/22/2015 04:20:30 am

Dear Prof. Mahreer ...

This is something I can imagine sj being incredibly touched by, yet, I'm sure she was intuitive enough to realize how much you love her and no doubt it was reciprocated.

There are so many things in this lovely lady's legacy to pattern ourselves after. In reading this, it's easy to see my own rough spots that need to be refined and smoothed.

In educating us on sj, you've set a wonderful standard for others to use as a guideline in how to do many things the right way, and to realize, yes, it can be done.

So sorry for you to be separated from such a close friend, yet I'm confident that it's temporary.

Prayers and blessings,

femme

Maria link

1/22/2015 11:02:57 pm

Dear femme,

sj had a way of minimizing all of our rough spots and making each of us feel quite special in our own right. And if she had known you, there would be no doubt in your mind...so for now, you'll need to take my word for it...!!

Thanks for your ongoing support, love and help in making my posts look so beautiful. Hugs and love, mar

Martie link

1/22/2015 04:24:01 am

Dear Maria, this is a beautiful tribute to sj. We can clearly see on her face that she was a most remarkable and compassionate lady. My deepest condolences to you, Carol and all who are now compelled to come to terms with her passing. R.I.P. sj!

Maria link

1/22/2015 10:59:20 pm

Dear Martie,

Thanks for stopping by with your supportive presence. Yes, sj's picture is a wonderful representation of the gentle and kind woman she was to all of us in her world.

Love, hugs and peace to you today, mar

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In Memory of a Kind and Gentle Friend

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