This week, I assisted with a Memorial service at work for a dear patient who passed away unexpectedly over the holidays. It's been hard to not see them around the past couple of weeks, especially as they were involved in a lot of my groups during the past two years that I have been working at the hospital.
During the service, the song "For Good" from the Broadway musical 'Wicked' was played as a way to describe how we have felt about them. They had taught everyone they met how to live, especially when going through trials. This patient was always willing to be a friend to everyone, forgave easily and tried to make the best out of their present circumstance. I am so grateful to have known them, and to have able to have their life example teach me and make a better person.
(side note: I have a new admiration for Donny Osmond, and am now listening to his music more because of it. He helped in making this person have a great Christmas this year.)Since the memorial service I have been thinking about the song, and also how everyone I have come in contact with in my life, have taught me in many ways, either good or bad. But their influence has helped me become the person I am today. It's amazing the power we have with one another. I know that there have been some days when I may be struggling and just having someone I don't know at the store smile at me and say "hello" has helped me to move on, and realize that life is not as bad as I once thought. I created an "animated" slide show to say thank you. I am sorry that I was only able to include just a handful of people who have been a part of my life. But I want to say thank you to all who have helped me become the person I am today.
