Instead, I am going to share with you these words, written last night by a friend of mine (and Aimee's), and one of the first things I saw this morning. If you read only part of this, read the third paragraph (in italics). It's so beautiful, and so dead-on, it brought me to tears.
From Kristi:
"Two years ago tomorrow as I was getting ready to head to St. Joseph's Hospital for my 10th surgery of this humbling medical journey [blood disorder], I learned of the passing of my dear friend, Aimee.
Filled with grief, when the Chaplain came in to pray for my surgery, we instead spent the time praying for Aimee and her family, especially her husband (also a dear friend) and daughter. Goosebumps resulted when I thought of how Aimee would have also been full of the same comforting words, much like the Chaplain's. Her joyful spirit and sweet smile often gave all of those she knew a wonderful sense of peace. I felt her with me that day and knew the surgery would be complication free.
It's the last operation I had and although the recovery was a long road, and this wacky blood of mine continues to humble me and to teach me my limits, it also has provided me with a renewed commitment to embrace each day as a gift. I now live life for today, with a much more open heart and a tender forgiving spirit, trying to learn, to love, and to journey down the path that God is constantly revealing. I take more risks now. I attempt things I wouldn't have dreamed of two years ago. In the blink of an eye, after all, inexplicable tragedies or a medical issue or unexpected news, can quickly change everything.
So on this day, a day not promised that also marks the two year anniversary of her passing, do what Aimee would have done. Provide comforting words to a friend. Be a joyful spirit to someone who is hurting. Offer a genuine smile to a stranger. Buy someone a cup of coffee. And never stop trying to find peace, both in your own heart and through the friends and family in your circle. In these small ways and more, we can honor an amazing wife, daughter, sister, mother, and friend.
God bless you and keep you, precious Aimee. Thank you for the beautiful lessons you taught us while you were on this Earth. And thank you for the peace you provide as you watch over all of us from heaven."
Thank you, Kristi, for amazing and beautiful about an amazing and beautiful woman.
Pat that was very sweet of Kristi to share.... those words were right on point to describing "Sweet Aimee" . She was indeed sweet. And did bring a lot of peace to many around her. Her smile would brighten a room.
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ReplyDeleteThis is so beautiful and I appreciate you sharing what Kristi wrote about Aimee. I am going through personal loss of another kind and these words lift me up and I will strive to honor Aimee's memory by doing exactly as suggested and more. I never met Aimee or you or Rowan but want you to know how incredibly moved I have been by your situation and your story and the lessons you have shared. It has had a profound impact on me Blessings to you and your family Pat and I wish you all the happiness in the world with the journey ahead.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much Joni, for sharing with me that this blog has helped you. Honestly, I have gotten a great deal of comfort from comments exactly like this, people letting me know how my sharing my experiences has helped them. It makes me feel like at least some of this awful tragedy has had some redemption. That being said, I am still saddened that you're going through a loss of your own.
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