![]() Angie’s entire being refused to think she would succumb to her cancer so during our walks we never talked about the potential of her dying. But I shared stories of visitations I had experienced from family members who had passed away; visitations I could never have conjured up. My experiences made me feel there must be something else beyond this physical reality in which we now exist. Angie was wide open to that possibility and we held it within us like a small flame. Because Angie was thriving we all believed she would pull through. But this August Angie’s body took a turn for the worse. Her days became riddled with migraines, seizures, and nausea. She went in and out of the hospital and clinic. Nothing medical or alternative eased her suffering and Angie began to disappear from all of us. Sue and Jeff opened their home to us, assuring us there was "no need to knock" - just come in and sit with Angie whenever we wanted. We were grateful to be embraced so lovingly and we took them up on it. I walked across the bunchgrass early in the morning in my PJs and maneuvered through it with a headlamp late at night. As Angie grew more distant, Sue and I grew closer, talking together at Angie's bedside while her kitties were piled up on top of her and Kali lay nearby, always within sight. For days family and friends came in force. All of our loving gestures for Angie were also a salve for our fears. After everyone had come to see her, Angie passed away with Sue, Jeff, and her brother by her side. Early the next morning I had to meet with a Social Security representative in Missoula. I hadn't slept well and was reeling from Angie's death, but decided to go anyway. The man who met with me had a small poster pinned to his wall that stated “We are spiritual beings experiencing a physical reality.” I couldn't help but smile. What are the chances that I would see those words at a random meeting in the Social Security Office? It felt like Angie was affirming that indeed there was more than this physical reality we embrace so passionately. As I left the office I told the man I had just lost someone dear to me and thanked him for those words. Now Sue and I walk together with Kali and Lily. I am a mother myself and agonize at the thought of losing my child, so I can imagine Sue’s despair. Every parent can. But my empathy doesn’t come close to the pain Sue is experiencing. Sue not only lost her daughter, she lost her best friend. The void and sadness she and her family are experiencing is unfathomable. As we walk together Sue’s grief takes voice. Joyful memories pulse up through her despair like sunbeams bursting through clouds. Bittersweet moments. My heart vibrates in kind and we slip into Angie Time - the only way to make it through. Thank you Angie for enriching our lives and for modeling how best to live it. We love you and miss you dearly and will do whatever we can to support your family.
6 Comments
Heather Layman
11/11/2016 06:42:02 pm
This is beautiful, Randi. Angie and I were friends in high school, and my heart is heavy for her friends and family. She was the sweetest soul through and through. Thank you for sharing your gift and your 'Angie Time'. Hugs to you and Juan.
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11/12/2016 06:39:26 am
Heather, I am so happy to hear you and Angie were friends! I can sure see you too hanging out. She was indeed a sweet soul and I am so grateful that providence stepped in and offered me and Juan a chance to know and love her.
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Miodrag Milovancevic
11/12/2016 03:03:36 am
Thanks for this!
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11/12/2016 06:42:49 am
Miodrag,
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Belinda Rich
11/14/2016 06:21:45 am
Beautiful and moving. Thank you for sharing. Blessings to you all.
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11/14/2016 09:35:44 am
Thank you Belinda,
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