Gone Too Soon

My precious child has left us behind to take the next great adventure. I believe she has good company to show her the way. Those who went before, her Granmother and Grandfather met her at the gate, and surely angels guided and guarded her passage, even hovering near her hospital bed, protecting her soul as her poor body and brain were ravaged with siezures that medical science could not control. We, her family and friends spent 3 days, hoping that she might rally, as she had done at other times, but finally, we faced the truth, that she was already gone from us, and we let her go.

There were many of her friends who were there, at the end. Michele's passing was, at the last, both calm and gentle.Once the ventilator was removed, she took just a few breathes on her own, then stopped so gently, that we were not aware for a few seconds that she was actually gone. It almost seemed, that she had just been waiting for us to release her to her new adventure.

Michele was just 41 years old. She lived a life of many challenges right from the beginning as she had multiple birth defects. Though there were many times she showed frustration from her limitations, she also met most challenges with a courage that often amazed me. She insisted on being herself. Those she loved, she loved unconditionally and she showed great loyalty.

I am so thankful to all the people who helped Michele, especially the people from Turn Community Services, who staffed both her home and working facilities. They have been with her for about 15 years, helping Michele to be as independant as she could and allowing her to have as full a life as she was able. She loved her home and enjoyed her work and the people who helped her.

Michele's passing has left a void that will never be filled. The pain will get less intense, but that empty space that she occupied, will always offer bittersweet memories each time I visit. Thanks to my family's help and the help of all those who loved Michele, I will be okay. I'm grateful for those 41 years that I had with Michele. I will see her again, in the next life. She'll be there to teach me this time.