The Hinge of Life

This earth suddenly lost a wonderful person this month:  Tina.  Heaven gained an angel.  

Befriending Tina (and her family), over thirty years ago, led to a long-lasting relationship spanning over generations.  As we all grapple with the grieving process, I’m finding comfort in leaning into a deeper understanding of tragic defining moments.  Ironically, I have started tuning into the Netflix series, This Is Us. If you are familiar with the series, you know it goes full throttle on addressing heavy topics of all sorts.   Marriage.  Anxiety.  Addiction. Childbirths.  Celebrations/Traditions. Dysfunction.  Mental Illness.  Abuse. Love.  Loss.

One of the primary show characters, Beth Pearson, provided dialogue in Season 5 which really resonated with me during this difficult time:

When my dad was dying, I remember he said that “it’s the tragedies that define our lives.  They are the fence posts on which the rest of our lives hang… I always think about that, like our lives just hinge there between these really sad fence posts.” Look what you hung on your fence posts.

The world is a brilliant, resilient place.  We fight on.  Darkness before dawn and all that.  This pain is not forever.  This moment in time is not forever.  

So, I’m taking that to heart and will try my best to adopt that mantra. It’s another reminder to cherish every moment of every day.  

I offer this personal note to Tina:

Dear Friend:

We were instant friends the day we met in my sister-in-law’s backyard. You lit up a room the minute you walked in with that radiant smile and amazing energy.  We shared a love for faith and family.  Now, your family has a guardian angel watching over them… forever.  Though you were an accomplished cook; you pretended to love my minor culinary contributions to our gatherings. Sometimes it was comical! Your spontaneity was so fun to experience.  I admired your fierceness for friendships.  Somehow, you were able to get through the worst of times with a positive attitude. All of us will remember the dignity and love you provided every Hospice patient in your care for over the years. As a Priest commented recently: “Tina was the closest person to a Saint I’ve ever known.”  You are special and one of a kind. I feel so blessed to have known you in this life.  Love ya!

In closing, it looks like Spring is approaching.  Embrace the sunshine everyone.

Take care.