Excerpt fromMake A Difference ...with the Power of Compassion
https://www.makeadifferencemovie.com/FlashBook.html Section 4 page 78.
Make A Difference with... Transitions
Families and friends are all about living, loving and compassion, in the face of all that we may find difficult to embrace. What a difference it makes to ease a loved one's transition! And yet we, ourselves, receive so much from the opportunity - the experience - put before us.
I'd like to introduce you to Michelle Campos. She owns a small catering business and has lived in
Discovery Bay, California, for sixteen years. Michelle and her husband, parents of three and grandparents of two, have owned their own erosion control business for the last seven years. I want to share Michelle's story with you, because I feel, in its message, a deep sense of importance to us all - how compassion "gives back" in ways that are expansive and unending:
"My dearest long-time friend of 23 years, Suzanne, just passed away three days ago. My heart is sad; however, she is now soaring with the angels in a perfectly healthy body and I feel her everywhere.
"Sue was diagnosed ten months ago with a rare form of ovarian cancer which has no known cure. After undergoing several bouts of chemo, she decided to try the naturopathic approach. Her dedication and her fight to be a cancer survivor inspired me daily. About two months ago she had to sell her condo, give away almost all of her treasured possessions and move in with her son and daughter-in-law. They have a wonderfully warm home and they created a beautiful room for her, with windows to look out of, waterfalls and flowers to gaze at. It was a peaceful place. She graciously surrendered to the 'process' as she'd called it. Many times people would ask, 'How are you doing?' and she'd say, 'Well, my body is really a mess but my spirit is soaring!'
"Sue knew her time was short and soon Hospice was called, so she could be comfortable in her last days. As her friend, I treasured the hours spent with her talking and sharing our memories over the years. This last week was especially precious, with her sharing my love and gratefulness for having her in my life. I'd lie on the bed with her for hours, reassuring her it was okay to let go.
"She has raised two wonderful sons who lavished her with love and tenderness until the very end. My memory of her final day with us was of her sons placing orchids around her pillow, rubbing her feet and hands while playing beautiful music for her, telling her over and over how much they loved her.
"She was covered with a beautiful purple pareo and looked like an angel ready for the next journey of her life. The biggest blessing was that her son and daughter-in-law were blessed with a baby just two weeks before her passing. They'd been trying to adopt for over a year and little Aayden entered their lives just in time! Sue got to hold him and be blessed by his sweet presence.
"I realize how fortunate I was to be with Sue, to talk to her, even though she couldn't respond with words...she knew my voice and my touch. It felt complete and I knew I could let her go. I will miss her every day, I will miss her laughter, her endless energy and the hundreds of phone calls. I will miss dancing with her and just taking long walks.
"She has left a lasting imprint on my heart. Soar my beautiful friend and someday we will be together again!
You give but little when you give of your possessions.
It is when you give of yourself that you truly give.
-Kahlil Gibran |
