Obit: Passing of a dear friend

Subject: Obit: Passing of a dear friend
From: paddymac
Date: 11 Mar 04 - 07:34 PM

I just learned an hour or so ago of the passing of a dear friend, Mary Johns, Medicine Woman of the Seminole Tribe of Florida. The news is strangely saddening and gladdening at the same time. She was a person I always looked forward to seeing and chatting with, and I will sorely miss that purely selfish pleasure. But at the same time, I am close to being overwhelmed with a great feeling of joy for her, in her, and with her, as she transitions to her campfire above. In a way I haven't quite figured out yet, I am also feeling a sort of envy of her joy. Creator truly blessed all who had a chance to pass her way in life, however briefly. Thanks to Mudcat for being a place where I can unashamedly expose my soul on what is for me a power-filled evening.

Subject: RE: Obit: Passing of a dear friend
From: hobbitwoman
Date: 11 Mar 04 - 08:08 PM

I'm sorry for your loss, paddymac. It's never easy to lose a good friend, even when we know they've gone to a better place.

Annie

Subject: RE: Obit: Passing of a dear friend
From: Big Mick
Date: 11 Mar 04 - 08:17 PM

You are expressing that power in a mighty way, paddymac, old friend. We will listen for her voice, now, in others. God be good to her.

Mick

Subject: RE: Obit: Passing of a dear friend
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 11 Mar 04 - 08:20 PM

Blessings on the journeys, hers and yours. In some ways, she will never leave you.

Allison

Subject: RE: Obit: Passing of a dear friend
From: Peace
Date: 11 Mar 04 - 08:33 PM

paddymac, you have just given your friend a parting thought that most people would envy. I'm sorry for your loss. And ours.

Bruce M

Subject: RE: Obit: Passing of a dear friend
From: Tinker
Date: 11 Mar 04 - 08:54 PM

paddymac, your words paint a wonderful picture of a woman I now wistfuly wish I could have met. May the lessons of her life and passing live on in those granted the gift of her friendship.

Blessings

Tinker

Subject: RE: Obit: Passing of a dear friend
From: katlaughing
Date: 11 Mar 04 - 10:57 PM

I am sorry to hear of your loss, Paddymac, but I also understand the joy. I just found out, this evening, that my Aunt Beulah has passed. She and one other aunt, who still lives, were the last two from my mom's family, both married to my mom's brothers. She was a kind, hard-working wife and mother with lots and lots of love to give. I only saw her a handful of times in my life, but we always stayed in touch and she was precious to me, esp. her kindness. I know she has been in a lot of pain and consternation over the past few years, so feel that, according to her belief, she is in a better way, now, and I am grateful for that.

We will lay her to rest beside her husband come Monday.

Blessings to you and yours,

Mitakuye Oyasin (We are all related)

Subject: RE: Obit: Passing of a dear friend
From: Jerry Rasmussen
Date: 11 Mar 04 - 11:33 PM

Hey, paddy:

Sounds to me like she left a wonderful forwarding address!

Jerry

Subject: RE: Obit: Passing of a dear friend
From: Rapparee
Date: 12 Mar 04 - 11:19 AM

Now she is learning The Answers.

Subject: RE: Obit: Passing of a dear friend
From: Little Hawk
Date: 12 Mar 04 - 12:22 PM

May she fly on mighty wings, look forth from lofty peaks, and see the sun shining on her beloved friends and relations across this blessed World.

- LH

Subject: RE: Obit: Passing of a dear friend
From: paddymac
Date: 13 Mar 04 - 12:22 PM

We had a fire ceremony last evening to send our friend on her way. It was sort of a two phase evening, one for those who knew her, but were not familiar with Muscogee ways, and then an expanded, later session with more ritual for those who try to follow the old ways. A beautiful starlit, chill spring evening with nary a cloud in the sky, a small and mesmerizing fire, and an abundance of tears and laughter as we shared remembrances of love for the friend who has gone from among us and for each other.

Subject: RE: Obit: Passing of a dear friend
From: Peace
Date: 14 Mar 04 - 12:04 AM

It's hard to say goodbye, paddymac. Bless you. Bruce M