A Precious Gift My Friend Left Behind

After a very busy weekend, I walked into my office building to discover a beautiful photo of a colleagues, next to the elevator, that had her name and “Rest In Peace.” I could not process the words. So I dismissed them, and concluded this was a really bad and cruel joke. Moments later, exiting the elevator, there was another one posted at the door and I was stunned and in shock. She was gone. I will never see her again. The last time I saw her, a few days earlier, she looked fine. I thought her closed office door meant she was on vacation.

She died suddenly last week in the hospital due to complications of a serious medical condition and surgery.  I was stunned and devastated.  My mind could not wrap around the idea that I would never see her again—after working with her closely for over twelve years.

Our entire office family was stunned and we somehow muddled through the week, talking about her, our shock, how short and unpredictable life is, and of course, her funeral.  I attended it on Saturday, despite the fact that my body was so overwhelmed by her departure, the night before I became ill with flu like symptoms, that I was determined would not prevent me from saying good-bye to my colleague.

It truly made me reflect on my life and how I’m living it, perhaps in a way I’d never considered before.  So this morning, when I watched this profound message about life, my grief and sadness served as fuel for an honest assessment of where I am and what I am doing right now, and I made a decision.

I must do more of what I am passionate about—I must find a what to do what brings me the most joy-which is helping you and others improve your health and well-being in meaningful and substantial ways-as much as I can and as often as I can.

So I’ve made a commitment to myself to do that, and I will find a way to do it more often and more effectively.

Yes, I’ve fulfilled most of my dreams—but there’s one that  I haven’t.  And Brenda’s passing has given me permission in a way that I never imagined, to make a change, create a new plan and take a greater leap of faith.  The biggest one in my life.

I will keep you posted as my new journey unfolds.

In the meantime, please watch  and share this powerful  message by Prince EA  that allowed me the precious gift of reconsidering my life with new eyes.

With love and blessings,

Dr. Elaine