Skip to main content

Mary B

One of my favorite patients made her transition last night. It was expected as she had been on hospice for a few weeks. Medically, she was always a challenge. She had 2 types of cancer in her body and there always seemed to be something that needed medical attention. In spite of that, she was a dear, sweet soul who always was bright in her outlook and interaction. She was truly loving and the world responded with love and affection. She has 4 great children who truly loved and cared about her. Her husband is one of the most kind, loving men I have ever known.

As we went through her medical care and gradual decline, I really got to know her. She was wise beyond her years. She was positive beyond what can be forced into being-- it truly was deeply ingrained in her being. She was simultaneously loving and easy to love. She had humor in the face of adversity and was always kind and honest.

In my opinion, she was truly a hero. A rare being who lived from her heart with courage, kindness, and eternal warmth.

Now that she has passed, all the chaos surrounding her care dissolves instantaneously. She is back in a state of peace and harmony. There was lots of suffering during her last years--pain, the hassle of many tests and procedures, the malaise that accompanies illness. She always managed to bounce back from illness and adversity. She amazed me and her other docs many times.

Now, there is only the feeling of peace and respect to a life well-lived. I hope her family feels this way. I think they will. Hers was a giant spirit in my mind and now it is free to do whatever freed spirits do.

Comments

Beautiful tribute.

Namaste'
Anonymous said…
Bless you for printing this so we could share in her excellence. A woman that continues to live on in hearts of others makes us all feel fortunate to have heard about her. May her family live with ease.

Popular posts from this blog

A Guest Post from Jenna Walters

Tai Chi for Health Tai Chi is a secret weapon in the battle against the physical and mental demands of life. It has been able to help improve health in individuals with illnesses ranging from peritoneal mesothelioma to migraines . Its quiet and slow movements bring a calm balance to the mind. It also brings strength and balance to the body. Tai Chi demands very little from its participants. The focus is on body awareness and deep breathing. Its stretching is soft and fluid and its movements are low-impact. Young, old, athletic, or the rehabilitating can all gain better health with Tai Chi. Studies have shown that Tai Chi improves physical health . Although the movements are slow and require no added weight, those that practice Tai Chi become stronger in both upper and lower body. There is also proof that flexibility and balance are improved. The fact that the gentleness of this exercise has such positive results makes it perfect for the unfit, the elderly and for those recovering f

Evolutionary Book

I am in the midst of reading a truly great and novel book. Written by Philip Shepherd, New Self, New World  is a deep analysis and different perspective on what is wrong with today's world and why so many of us struggle to find peace and happiness. The book shares with the Pando Method the concept of "coming out of the head and into the body" (the other brain) as a means to see with greater clarity and awareness. We at Pando Health Groups are using our approach of what we call "Center Point Rest" as a conscious process of descending from the thinking mind to the low abdomen. This form of meditation, while brief, gives the individual the opportunity to stop the continuous flow of thoughts and "drop down" into the body and then rest in this quieter, very different space. We find it to be a powerful way to connect with oneself and our true nature as opposed to the ongoing "bombarding thoughts". It truly does change one's state and opens up

Connecting to the World

This is a picture from the Eucalyptus Grove At UCSD -- my dogs' favorite walk. Upon our return from our adventure, I read this from Buddhist psychologist, Rick Hanson. I really resonate with this aspect of connection. Connecting is in 3 directions -- inside with oneself, with others and with the world. When we strengthen one direction, we simultaneously strengthen our general connection. This is guidance to connect more deeply with the world. What makes you feel connected? I'd like to know.   Are we really so separate? The Practice   Love the world. Why?   Your brain evolved in three stages (to simplify a complex process): Reptile - Brainstem, focused on AVOIDING harm Mammal - Limbic system, focused on APPROACHING rewards Primate - Cortex, focused on ATTACHING to "us" With a fun use (to me, at least) of animal themes, the first JOT in this series -  pet the lizard  - was about how to soothe the most ancient structures of the brain