Life in Balance

This morning I was told that an amazing woman whom I've known for many years, died last night. Dealing with news of her death feels like hitting a wall. Even though I was prepared for the news, it still bites. As I allowed the reality to be absorbed, I began to think about her life. She was an amazing person and lived a meaningful life. She traveled the world living in the most exotic places. She related to everyone with kindness, warmth and generosity.

Violet was a wife of a military man, she had a daughter and four grandchildren. Her body failed her many years ago when she found out she had Parkinson. Living with Parkinson did not deter her from having a full life. She died with dignity and grace with her daughter at her bedside.

I am thankful to have spent time with her and her husband, Lee, during many of my travels to Hawaii. One year, I celebrated New Year's Eve with them staying up until the wee early hours when all that was left in the streets were ghost of dancers celebrating. She was a most gracious host, really more like family. She lovingly referred to me as her other daughter.

Recalling something a Buddhist monk said helps me deal with this loss, "we don't own people, we are given the opportunity to share life with them". At some point their journey takes them on a different path away from you. In balance, when I think about Vi, I know that I am a better person for having known her.