I am very much a believer that we have some friends for a reason, others for a season, and some for a lifetime. This notion of friendship had been on occasion challenging for me. As a very loyal person, the idea of having friends only for a reason or a season has been a hurdle for me to climb. That said, as I grow older, I recognize the value in all friendships and the many lessons I have learned from those I have attracted to me during this journey.
This past week my dear friend Betty Jones left us. I have known Betty only a few years meeting her for the first time in 2007 when we travelled to Townsend, Tennessee to facilitate to tw-day retreat. She was known to me beforehand, fondly referred to as Colonel Betty. Her sub-title was a bit intimidating and I wondered who I was about to meet.
Sight unseen, Betty invited us into her home. The person who greeted us was not military. Rather we were greeted by large warm, brown eyes, an open, curious face, and southern hospitality that would make even the friendliest Canadian pale. Yes she was retired military, a nurse with an MBA, formerly the head of the nursing corp under the surgeon general of the United States. Impressive, yet this was just a mention for her current focus was working on Obama’s plan to extend health care benefits to all Americans. She was in her own way, a social activist, go-getter, health advocate and all around energetic vortex.
Her own health had had a few challenges including a heart attack and stroke, although neither had the capacity to slow her down. On our last visit to Townsend we were out with her on the trails of the Great Smokey mountains. An experienced hiker knowledgeable about the lesser known trails, we wandered the woods taking in a feast of spring flowers. Although seemingly lost at one point she simply reassured us that she knew exactly where we were and to just follow her. We did. She was a leader in so many ways!
Highly spiritual, a seeker, always curious – this is how I came to know her. Her home looking out over the Great Smokeys below, became our southern respite.
Betty’s daily intention was to live large, love lots and die fast. After a monthly luncheon with her best friends, Betty felt fatigued and unwell. She left a few hours later.
I am better for knowing you Betty and I celebrate your life. And while I am sad you left us too soon, and that I had hoped our friendship would continue for years, I am grateful our paths crossed.
For all of you who have lost friends or family in the last period of time, I encourage you to acknowledge your sadness while celebrating the gifts the other person gave you. Celebrate their life. This is not the end, in fact it is a new beginning, a continuation of life in another form. As humans, we become so attached to the human form. We need to remember that the spirit is so much more and lingers with us always.
Until next time…
Betty