Embracing a Joyous Life
Posted by Mary on May 5, 2009
I wrote a small item awhile ago on my friend Sherry a Breast Cancer Survivor; although new at the business of “thriving” she is running joyously toward her new beginnings. I received her email blast last evening where she routed her wedding pictures to those of us who are fortunate to be in her circle of family and friends. I had received a voice message from her Sunday night telling me she was thinking of me and just hearing her voice was a tonic for my soul. In the mist of her celebration she remembered to share my grief, holding me in her heart as I work through the physical, legal and emotional business of closing out my sister’s affairs.
As I scrolled through the pictures of my friends wedding I was delighted to see the ecstatic Joy that my dear friend shows, especially the glow of love and appreciation for her children, her loving new husband Mike and for the friends and family surrounding her. The pictures are a reminder that the circle of life goes on and while we don’t always get a choice about what life throws in our path we do have a choice about our response to life events.
A Joyous Wedding
I look at the wedding pictures again and I see Gratitude with a touch of humiliy on the face of my dear friend Sherry, an appreciation for the opportunity to continue to embrace life and play with those she loves and holds dear. The process of healing our grief over the loss of my sister will take time for those of us who loved Faye Susanne. As my sisters and I work through the reality of closing out my sister Susie’s apartment and the very personal pieces of her life we are faced with a critical choice, “how will we embrace life without her? “
I hope we have the courage to embrace life with forgiveness and boundless Joy for what we have now just like my friend Sherry. There is a part of Sherry that reminds me of my sister Susie and it’s her unadulterated expectation to live life fully in love. My sister Susie lived from her Heart, smiling at life, looking for and expecting people to share her laughter and love of life surrounded by family and friends.
Congratulations Sherry and Mike!
Mary
Sherry DeRosa said,
I have just read the incredible tribute that my friend Mary made by honoring me in this article. WHat Mary didn’t tell you was of her unconditional love and supprt that held me on one of the most difficult of my days journeying through breast cancer. She modeled for me unselfishness, generosity of spirit and quite simply, love. Holding her near in my heart,thinking of her as she walks the path of grief is a privilege. I only wish I could make the task easier. I know that she has been a light for her family in this journey and that her service to the memory of her sister honors the gift she was to the world. May we all have the courage to feel every emotion that is part of the fabric of life and to know that it is in our connection and love of one another that all joy resides. Then, in the dark nights, we will have one another to lean on, journey with and return, once again, to joy. Mary’s presence in the world is a light in the darkness and I am so very blessed to call her my friend. Thank you, Mary, for your words of love about me and my new beginning. I shall cherish them forever. Sherry
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