A Sister of My Heart

It is not length of life,

but depth of life.

Ralph Waldo Emerson

When I was a senior in high school, I traveled to a college that I hoped to attend.  While there, I met another perspective student by the name of Joyce Marie.  Instantly, we became interested in each other.  We promised we would get in touch if accepted.

Joyce Marie and I became not only very good friends, but eventually roommates as well.  I could write a volume about our experiences, our similarities, and our differences, but I will save that for another time.  What is important to know is that even though I am just a few months older, she is my oldest friend.  Although our lives took us in very different directions, and there were some years without contact, the two of us remained important to each other.

I cannot speak for this dear sister of my heart, but for me, no matter what life dealt out, I knew that she would always help me.  Unfortunately, she was put to the test many times throughout my life, and never once did she judge or turn me away.  In fact, I am one of many that has been helped by this dear friend.  She has never known a stranger and there is never a limit to how hard she tries to make a person's life better. 

Today I fly out to be with Joyce Marie for a week.  The length of her life has come into question and so I must focus on the depth of her life and what all it has meant to me.  I want to be present with her even if it is in silence.  I want to memorize her radiant smile and fall into her sparkling wise eyes.  I need to hug her and cover her with comforting love, energy, and light.

It is my belief that we are all spiritual beings having a physical experience.  It is my sense that we have all lived prior to this existence and that we will live after it as well.  So if I am squished by a bus tomorrow, there will only be an interlude before we all come together again.  So let us hold joyful celebrations honoring our loved ones who are simply called ahead.