![]() Eunice was conservative and proper--never a hair out of place. At the ripe age of 81, she had earned the right to put her feet up and enjoy life a bit. Yet, relaxing didn't come easily. Even watching television in the evening was accompanied by busy, productive work of some kind. Eunice was prepared for anything. She kept shelves of vases of every shape and size for whatever kind of floral arrangement she was putting together. Eunice was proud, always in control and ready for duty, even when she was sick. While she gave her best appearance of being fine, symptoms continued and could no longer be denied. Her doctor confirmed that she had Stage IV liver cancer earlier this year. She was methodical in approach. Decisions were made slowly and thoughtfully about the extent of the treatment she wished. Above all, she was private, waiting to tell her sister until she was absolutely sure of all the details. Eunice knew, worked with, and impacted the lives of many people, including her spiritual community, students she had taught, their parents and her large extended family of first and second generation nieces and nephews. Defying medical predictions, Eunice spent three months saying her goodbyes and preparing for the next phase of her journey. She was clearly on her own timetable. Early the morning of July 16th, Eunice died. With many faithful visitors the evening before, she waited until she could do her last bit of earthly business in private as well. As I think of Eunice's lifestyle, I'm reminded of an expression my Dad liked to use, "An idle mind is the devil's workshop." If one of my siblings or I slept much past 7:00 A.M. (even on weekends), we'd be greeted with: "What are you doing? Sleeping your life away?" I wonder if Eunice grew up with a similar family philosophy. And, I wonder, if like me, she believed "There's no rest for the weary and the wicked don't need it." For me, coming as close to death as I ever dreamed possible in 1999 was a jolt that helped me gain overdue perspective on a work/play balance. I haven't looked back! My hope is that Eunice is now free of pain and allowing herself to finally relax and enjoy her heavenly surrounds, with no clocks, schedules, commitments or assigned duties. I imagine a heavenly guide showing her to a flower-filled suite, a freezer filled with ice cream -with a variety of books and a jigsaw puzzle waiting to be tackled. Image via congerdesign of Pixabay. Click here to visit their gallery. ShoutOutsUntil next week, take good care of yourself and remember to play a little… 😊
Hugs, mar
18 Comments
Your friend seems to have accepted her diagnosis with the same grace and charm with which she lived. Her preparation and timing for departure is admirable. Seems like eighty-one years old is not that old to me anymore. I'm with you on hoping she gets some needed relaxation and rest now. RIP Eunice.
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karen
7/19/2017 09:25:29 am
Sounds like Eunice had a good life filled with purpose and gratitude
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Mike
7/19/2017 10:00:36 am
There is a lot to be learned from how Eunice lived her life. What a perfect example. Sorry you lost a friend.
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Anne Marie
7/19/2017 10:12:42 am
So well written and such a lovely word portrait of Eunice. You captured her completely.
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7/19/2017 11:53:22 am
Hi Maria:
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Dear Rolly,
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Eunice sounded like a no-nonsense practical woman who lived life on her own terms. I love that! We should all follow this example. I've always thought that if I get sick, I'm going to plan it out and do things on my own terms, too. Really dig it and enjoy life. And I wouldn't tell anyone until the end, so they don't dwell on it and treat me differently. In any case, wonderful read. Have a wonderful rest of your week, friend! xo
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Dear Maria
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Dear Martie,
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7/19/2017 03:36:16 pm
Dear Maria,
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7/19/2017 10:19:29 pm
Prof. Mahreer,
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