A dear friend’s mom died this week.   Norman said his mom’s cardiologist described her as joyful and infectiously playful and to include that in her obituary.   June was a mother who lost a 23 year old and a 35 year old.  She said in concern to her lost children “well you either let it destroy you or you become more compassionate of others!”  Having lost a 29 year old, I walk a similar path as June.

Every day I awake and face my life head on.  I smile and greet unfamiliar faces on my way to work.  Little children sometimes giggle and hide behind their mom.  The old grandmotherly women tell me to dress warmer.  The old wrinkled Chinese men curiously eye the American with blond hair. I say Ni Hao to see if they will speak back to me. I spend extra time with students that need special attention because their English is poor.   Anger is something I no longer want in my life, only happiness and joy.

To Norman, thank you for sharing your story.  I hope when I die the same will be said about me.

Norman’s favorite quote:
“If the only prayer you say in your whole life is thank you…it will be enough” Meister Eckhart -13th Century