“I heard the old, old men say that “all that’s beautiful drifts away, like waters” ~ William Butler Yeats ~
And the downstream is the life designed, memories made, losses and gains, happiness and tears; a journey lived to the fullest. She took the good with the bad, gave respect and commanded the same, an authority on to herself, selfless and kind. There are not enough words to salute this remarkable lady!
I have countless memories with her from childhood to adulthood. Generation of a gap made her my guardian as we went to the same school together, (a torturous act in my opinion), more for her than me ;). The generation gap slipped away as we grew older, and became a strong bond of friendship. The countless hours of conversations, innumerable jokes shared, late night binges and gossip, the fun and laughter is what I would remember and cherish for the rest of my life.
She was a mentor with her honesty and opinion. She was a friend to the young and the old alike, lending an ear and a shoulder. She was a sister, an aunt and a cousin, sharing the joys of milestones, successes and achievements. She was a courageous warrior who taught us to fight for what we believed in and a crusader for giving people second chances. She marched to her own beat of life and encouraged others to follow their heart, without fear.
Today, February 18, 2020 (if she was here), would have joined the elite club for the SIXTIES! We had many a talk of our milestone birthdays in the year 2020. She would have bragged with that mischievous smile playing on her lips, of a life fulfilling and blessed. She would have talked of her travels, and the future miles she had planned. She would have celebrated the special occasion with the “Ming Dynasty” as she endearingly called her family.
Not a day goes by without her name on our lips. Not a moment goes by without a thought of her on mind. And not a conversation is complete without a mention of her. She exuded empathy and warmth, a beacon of hope, understanding and compassion.
She and I, many a time talked about fate and destiny. She would say, “I can challenge destiny, but fate is multifaceted and a force to reckon. And when the time comes, it is what it is!” But she never walked away from anything that unfolded in her life….and this is what makes her a true lady!
You will be dearly and deeply missed but never, ever forgotten!
*******
Romancing Life 