It was a very different weekend, we celebrated Jullien's almost 18th birthday on Friday because he will be in NY on his real birthday, Nov. 14th. On Sunday we attended a "Celebration of Life" service for our dear friend Joanne Phillips who recently lost her 10 year battle with breast cancer. Stop by her Caring Bridge Website and read about her...she was an amazing lady!
I have to say that it was one of the most inspiring services I've ever attended. You see, Joanne was a woman who brought sunshine into a room. She always made you feel as if you were the most important person around. She never let on to anyone how sick she was or how much pain she was in...she had a cheery smile, warm hug and sincere interest in everything that was happening in YOUR life.
At her service, one of the speakers asked for audience participation. He asked everyone to close their eyes and picture Joanne, then he went through a series of questions. The final one asking, " Now, while your picturing Joanne, do any of you picture a woman battling cancer? Raise your hands." Not one single person lifted their arm.
At the end of his talk, he concluded with having everyone stand up and giving the loudest standing ovation to Joanne. This was who she was, she didn't want a funeral...she wanted a celebration of life. She wanted others to know about Jesus and that she was now free of all her pain that she so bravely hid.
She was a fighter and part of that fight included being positive. Her strength, determination, joy and spirit was an inspiration to all who knew her. She blessed so many people's lives. I know I personally want to strive to be a better person. One who doesn't sit around complaining about problems in my life or aches and pains I may be having.
Goodbye my friend...until we meet again!
2 comments:
Hugs to you.
Wow, a real juxtaposition of emotions. Your friend sounds like a very special woman.
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