With the uncertainty of Russ' terminal illness, I was periodically drowning is stress, anxiety and tears. Lillian helped see me through the mire, often offering a different way to focus. She helped me with anticipatory grief and then the grief of Russ' death after 43 years of marriage. (It will be 2 years, in 3 days, since he died!)
I know all humans have struggles. I know life isn't the pretty picture social media hopes we believe in. As each wave of deterioration and dependance slammed our world, Lillian helped me to negotiate the fear. As I was knocked about, disoriented, and losing control, Lillian used words, compassion and clear vision to save me from my dark inner voice. Lillian, counselor and now friend has been a valued gift. I will miss her input showing me that my world can move from the darkness swallowing me in my life to the freedom of light. Light exposes truth, darkness hides it.
lillian -
i came to you
almost crumbling
gently going crazy
you met me with no expectations
you handed me wisdom
masked in questions
guided by heart
allowing me to grow
to face my reality
with honesty
you recognized my strengths
you encouraged them
encouraged me to face the fire
within
to grab it
hold on
be transformed
you cared
showed me i couldn’t make some details pretty
but could
move forward
to make the whole beautiful
in our years of work
you helped me dance again
you helped me look for joy
wishing you peace
with every ounce of my gratitude
thank you
"True courage is not facing adversity on your own, but allowing others to walk alongside you."