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  marcoujor's musings

mar's Desk

​This multi-topic blog publishes weekly on Wednesdays.
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marcoujor: Sleep Well, Eunice

7/19/2017

18 Comments

 
Picture
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.

Picture
​Image via congerdesign of Pixabay. Click here to visit their gallery.

ShoutOuts

​☙ Carrots...And A Nasty Little Fly via WarnerWords
☙ Finding Center Again via Fireside with Rolly
​☙ Wabash Traditions via flashPress

Until next week, take good care of yourself and remember to play a little… 😊

Hugs,

mar​
18 Comments
Peg Cole link
7/19/2017 08:51:49 am

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.
BTW, my dear old dad said the same thing every morning. "Rise and shine. Don't sleep your life away. Daylight's burning." Even on Saturday mornings, he woke us up at 7:00 am. Must have been the military training.
So sorry for your loss, my friend. Hugs.

Reply
Maria link
7/20/2017 06:49:23 am

Thanks for being the first to visit, dear Peg.

Pretty interesting that our dads were similar in so many ways - as are we...!! Hugs to you too.

Reply
karen
7/19/2017 09:25:29 am

Sounds like Eunice had a good life filled with purpose and gratitude

Sorry for your loss, Maria

Reply
Maria link
7/20/2017 06:50:14 am

I agree, dear Karen - thanks for your supportive thoughts.

Reply
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.

Reply
Maria link
7/20/2017 06:51:22 am

Thanks, dear Mike - I have learned much from Eunice.

Reply
Anne Marie
7/19/2017 10:12:42 am

So well written and such a lovely word portrait of Eunice. You captured her completely.

Reply
Maria link
7/20/2017 06:52:39 am

Thanks, dear 'Sis' - your feedback means the world.

Reply
Rolly A. Chabot link
7/19/2017 11:53:22 am

Hi Maria:
Eunice sounded to be an amazing lady and you have made her proud with your words. Often in life there are those people who step into our lives who leave and impact. It sounds to me Eunice was just that for you. I can envision her as being that perfect grandmother to many.
Thank you fir sharing her life with us...

Hugs from Canada

Reply
Maria link
7/20/2017 07:03:42 am

Dear Rolly,

I know you can appreciate Eunice's story - as you have shared the beautiful story of Iskwiw.

Thinking of Betty and her family as well- very glad you were there to support them both in her final hours.

Be safe on your adventures and keep cool. Hugs, Maria

Reply
Sageleaf link
7/19/2017 12:37:25 pm

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

Reply
Maria link
7/20/2017 07:06:13 am

Dear Cynthia,

Thanks for your kindness and insights.

I feel the same way as you do - essentially living every day to the fullest, even if there is an 'assigned endpoint' from a physician.

Love you and hoping you have a rejuvenating retreat, Maria

Reply
Martie link
7/19/2017 02:32:52 pm

Dear Maria

Knowing people like Eunice is such a privilege. They are the role models we need and appreciate. RIP, Eunice!

My father did the same as yours. He often made me fly out of bed by throwing a 'spider' with me in bed. Never a real spider, as he was just as scared of spiders than I. But I never remembered this when he pretended to put something with me between the sheets.

Again we have experienced the same kind of thing in the same week, Mar! This time we both had to deal with Death in our personal zones. An acquaintance - close friend(s) of Barend - died last week after suffering cancer of the pancreas. Her burial was scheduled for Tuesday, 18th. Then her husband, who had lost both his legs many moons ago, died in the early morning of Monday, 17th, apparently of a broken heart. The two were buried together on Tuesday. They were not yet 60 years old!

Hugs,

Martie

Reply
Maria link
7/20/2017 07:55:41 am

Dear Martie,

I'm sure I'd be flying out of bed with you at the very thought of a spider in my bed - that's a new one on me!

What a very sad yet loving story of this couple - now joined together in death - please give Barend my condolences.

Thanks for your ongoing support and friendship. Love you, mar

Reply
Sannel Larson link
7/19/2017 03:36:16 pm

Dear Maria,

So sorry for your loss, dear friend!
Eunice seemed to be a lady of first class. I'm sure she will be missed by all the people she has touched with her beautiful soul. RIP, dear Eunice!
Love and hugs to you,
Sannel

Reply
Maria link
7/20/2017 07:57:14 am

Thanks, sweet Sannel - your insights are wise and your support is most appreciated.

Love to you and Freddie,
Maria

Reply
Angelia Phillips link
7/19/2017 10:19:29 pm

Prof. Mahreer,

My sympathies on the passing of your friend. Your description is of Eunice brought on a smile to of appreciation.

The world could do with many more like this sweet lady. 💖

Reply
Maria link
7/20/2017 07:59:36 am

Dear Angelia,

Thanks for the kind words about Eunice and all you do to help my posts shine in the reading.

Have a peaceful day. Love ya, mar

Reply



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    Marcoujor

    Welcome to my desk...

    I am a work in progress, so a rule of thumb is to expect the unexpected every week!

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    Thank you,

    mar  



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