The book of the above title by Elisabeth Kubler-Ross is marvellous for those coping with losing loved ones. It has helped me in supporting my dear friend Catherine Radclyffe who passed away in September having livedwith ovarian cancer, on and off ,for over 11 years. Catherine was such a vibrant and lively lady and lived life to the full right up until the last week or so. Catherine rarely complained of her illness and had a fantastic summer working and enjoying the holidays with her sons and husband. Her qualities of care and compassion for others was so very much a part of her. Many of us will miss greatly her knowledge of homeopathy and natural, healthy ways to eat and take care of ourselves.
I learnt so very much from Catherine, particularly from spending time with her in her last couple of days. Perhaps this quote from Elisabeth Kubler-Ross sums up what I take from this experience:
'It's only when we truly know and understand that we have a limited time on earth - and that we have no way of knowing when our time is up - that we will begin to live each day to the fullest, as if it was the only one we had.'
Catherine was only part of my life (my homeopath) for a very brief period of time just before she passed away. I am sorry to say that I didn't know her for a very long but she touched my life in a way I will never forget.
When she first passed away I felt very lonely and also guilty. I couldn't believe that I had shared so many of my worries - so insignificant, with her when I didn't know she was so ill. But then I realised that that was Catherine through and through. She always seemed to have time for other people.
Posted by: Cass James | January 07, 2007 at 01:42 PM