Every once in a while something happens that causes you to pause a moment and see where you are, how you are and what you are. That happened this week. One of the girls at work didn’t show up on Monday, and after many worried phone calls the police were sent to her home and discovered she had died over the weekend sometime.
It stops you in your tracks and makes you ask…” what is the purpose of it all”. What is our purpose in it all?
That personal theory that I’ve held on to says, there is no reason in death, only purpose in life. How does it fare when it takes on the reflection of someone else’s lifetime? I only know her from the stand point of where Kathy’s life intersected with mine. She was strong and fierce and like all of us, a pain in the ass sometimes. She was a presence to contend with, one who was felt when ever she was around. She made me laugh and often had insightful comments to share. She wanted better things from her life and was not quite satisfied. Like every one else I know, she was frustrated with how things were and impatient for how things should be. And in those ways she was very much like me.
So, what is the meaning or purpose? In her role as an ER nurse she saved many lives and lessened the mark of pain or injury for thousands of individuals over the years, was one of those people someone who will change the world? Did she create someone from her body that has ensured her immortality though her daughters? Was her presence as part of her family, job or friendships enough to make our world somewhat better? Was there something she said or did that has become the place mark of her presence on this world?
Yes.
Kathy Russell passed this way. She shared her talents, her sense of humor, her skills as a nurse, her love as a mother, daughter, sister and friend. Her life may seem to be lost in the communal energy of what makes us grow as people, but it does not diminish what she contributed. I wish I had known her better, but I do know that I am a better person for knowing Kathy.
Rhianna Samuels
Rhianna, that’s a very beautiful eulogy.
I’m sure her family and friends appreciate that you have said such nice things about her.
Comment by MB (Leah) — September 14, 2008 @ 10:09 pm
It didn’t seem like an eulogy. More like a closer look at life.
Rhianna
Comment by Administrator — September 14, 2008 @ 10:17 pm
More like a closer look at life.
Hmm… yes that’s true.
Comment by MB (Leah) — September 14, 2008 @ 11:59 pm
Rhianna, what a beautiful testament to a life well-lived; you do have a marvelous way with words. But then we know that….
My father-in-law’s death raised many, many memories of the strength of his character and of his impact on the lives of all who passed by. And Kathy Russell sounds as though she, too, knew how to get the most from her days ~ when I grow up I want to be just like her.
Comment by KathyK — September 20, 2008 @ 4:00 am
Hi Kathy,
You have so much that is in your life and so many people you have touched that I feel sure you need only be yourself to have lived a wondrous life. Thanks for your kind words, I know Kathy would have appreciated them.
Rhianna
Comment by Administrator — September 20, 2008 @ 9:00 pm