Journal entry by Joanne Negstad — Sep 1, 2018
The family reunion continues with, stories, conversation, laughter and no drama...we're definitely a "no drama family." One of the gifts of Joanne's death was the gift of time, not enough for us, but perfect for her. That time gave her the opportunity to complete her "bucket list" of conversations. There was also time for her fan club to respond to her impending death via Caring Bridge, letters. cards, calls and visits. The response was overwhelming and it gave her immense satisfaction as she lived those last days.
Joanne's impact as a role model came up in two conversations today. L, my cousin's daughter, said she watched Joanne as Joanne negotiated the roles of wife, mother and social service professional. L, thought to herself "I can do both marriage and career because Joanne does." One of the blessings in Joanne's dying was L, communicating that to Joanne, who had little idea of the impact she'd had on L, during L's, early years.
In the second conversation my neice, S, said essentially the same as had L. There also were lunches that S, shared with Joanne, which gave some helpful conversation and coaching. As with L, S, clearly communicated to Joanne how helpful she had been. Yes, the gift of "dying time."
As this conversation progressed both L, and S, communicated how positive Joanne always was. Picking up on that, I recalled instances and stories about Joanne's positive spirit, to which my cousin M, responded "Yes, she was so positive she even saw hope in you!" 😁
Blessings,
Al
Joanne's impact as a role model came up in two conversations today. L, my cousin's daughter, said she watched Joanne as Joanne negotiated the roles of wife, mother and social service professional. L, thought to herself "I can do both marriage and career because Joanne does." One of the blessings in Joanne's dying was L, communicating that to Joanne, who had little idea of the impact she'd had on L, during L's, early years.
In the second conversation my neice, S, said essentially the same as had L. There also were lunches that S, shared with Joanne, which gave some helpful conversation and coaching. As with L, S, clearly communicated to Joanne how helpful she had been. Yes, the gift of "dying time."
As this conversation progressed both L, and S, communicated how positive Joanne always was. Picking up on that, I recalled instances and stories about Joanne's positive spirit, to which my cousin M, responded "Yes, she was so positive she even saw hope in you!" 😁
Blessings,
Al
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