I believe that people come into and out of our lives for a reason. Jamie and I met online, sharing music, our love of fur babies & water plus memories of our younger years as female athletes in a house full of brothers. We quickly realized we had much in common.
CIDP forced her to let go of many things in the last 10 years of her life. Despite physical limitations, her mind and spirit grew brighter as she focused on the little things in life that brought others joy. Tidbit trays, walks with the dogs, special attention to both young and old in the neighborhood. Her compassion and positive energy were unshakable.
I never would have wished for her (or anyone) to experience what she did … and I don’t want to romanticize it … but the memories I treasure most are of seeing her take something no one would ever choose and, somehow, transmute it into light. She radiated unconditional acceptance of herself, her life and everyone in it. Simply put, she chose to live every moment without looking back.
I will carry her example and ability to connect with others in my heart, fondly remembering our adventures in the Virgin Islands, Mexico, Las Vegas and a fabulous month at El Cid, Riviera Maya, MX. Despite the wheelchair and leg braces we managed to make the most of our travels together making many new friends along the way. As noted by others, Jamie was unforgettable, to meet her was to love her gentle spirit & bright light.
“Our greatest freedom is the freedom to choose our attitude.” (Viktor Frankl)