LEGACY OF SERVING OTHERS
10月
10日
SHE LEAVES A BRIGHT LEGACYDESPITE YEARS OF PHYSICAL AND EMOTIONAL PAIN
I was asked to counsel her a few months ago by cousin Janet. Despite Marianne's frustrating family issues, physical handicaps and having to share one bathroom with 6 or 7 others, she had a willing attitude. She was glad to have weekly sessions with me saying, “I’ve never thought about planning for the next ten years of my life.” She was age 70.
This was the first time I had the privilege of counseling someone so willing to look up, on her own and be excited, about someone I barely mentioned as a mentor - THINK AND GROW RICH - of course not just money. She was most anxious to move forward and not dwell on past outcomes.
We decided she could create her own 12 RULES FOR LIFE, starting with Standing Up Straight, relating “That’s one of the things my Mom used to always say,’Look tall, don’t slouch, be respectful.’” We mostly chatted on the telephone, but her voice indicated a sitting tall energy.
Marianne was developing her proposal to submit to the Meadowbrook administrators. Starting with a few volunteers, who had already agreed, her plan was to make each cubicle meaningful to the patient in that space. Marianne had already been involved in making Bingo Night fun in acquiring sought after prizes.
As we ended sessions with gratitude, she was always ready to list a phone call from a friend, candy from a relative, flowers from her daughter and messages from Janet. She was quick to make ME feel great too! I was blessed to have you in my life Marianne.
