Celebrate
Monday, April 27, 2009 On Friday, we celebrated Sherry's incredible life. Although tears flowed, there was a sense of joy at the service, joy in knowing that Sherry lived life to its fullest. Joy in knowing that we were blessed to be counted among her family and friends. Joy in knowing that she is no longer in pain, but is at peace.
For me, it is amazing the little things that others do when they learn of your grief. The brief and heartfelt emails, the safety of hugs, and other small things.
My friend Tony brought me a CD and told me to listen to number nine, "Poughkeepsie." The song brought forth the grief that lies captured in our bodies, that tightness within the chest, that unbearable weight. Exactly what I needed. And upon the second listening, I could smile.
My friend Ann wrote down a verse from a Mary Anne Radmacher posting that was once given to her:
Live with intention. Walk to the edge. Listen hard. Laugh. Practice wellness. Play with abandon. Continue to Learn. Appreciate your friends. Choose with no regret. Do what you love. Live as if this is all there is.
That is what Sherry did. And that is what we should all do in order to continue her legacy. To ensure that her love of life continues. The preacher called it living the "dash," as in the dash between the date of our birth and the date of our death.
Live with intention.
A memorial has been established for Sherry with Wichita State University, the Plaza of Heroines. If you would like to contribute, please follow the link to the WSU Foundation, go to Make a Donation. Under comments or description, be sure and specify the Sherry Jackson Brown Memorial. Thank you.
View Printer Friendly Version
Email Article to Friend
Reader Comments (1)
i’m an associate of mary anne radmacher’s and saw you’ve enjoyed her quote, “live with intention.” i know mary anne is so happy when people find inspiration from her words in the context of their daily lives. for more work from mary anne’s hand visit her website maryanneradmacher.com. mary anne has written several books and shares her work in many forms including conferences and classes. If you’d like more information feel free to e-mail me at jessicaformaryanneradmacher@gmail.com. thanks to you and your friend for sharing her words!