Lisa
With so many things in life, we sometimes have to pause and re-adjust where we are in our heads and hearts. What matters, what doesn’t. Today is that day for me.
Eight years ago, a friend of mine, Lisa Perry, was diagnosed with breast cancer that by the time she found out what was happening to her, the disease had spread and metastasized with little chance of a full recovery. The most she could hope for was extending the amount of time she had with treatment that made no guarantees. With three children, Jessica, Lauren and Jaz, and a wonderful husband, Jeff, she had much to live and fight for. Live and fight she did. For eight years she fought a battle that I can’t even begin to comprehend. The cancer and treatment ravaged her body, but allowed her to keep her spirit.
Whenever I am in Paris I go to Notre Dame cathedral and light a candle for her. I have been doing this for about three years. Our friendship began at the University of Notre Dame in the states so it always seemed fitting to come here. A few days ago, I was at the cathedral lighting a candle and watched as it sputtered and refused to come to a full flame. I stood in front of it panicking to make sure that no draft would blow it out, stubbornly waiting for it to burn brightly. It never did. Just a faint glow.
Yesterday, the call came that she had lost her battle. I am so filled with sadness and confusion as to why such a beautiful daughter, wife, mom, friend, woman, human had to suffer so much and leave behind such a beautiful family at such a young age. For me, she is still the Lisa I met almost thirty years ago while our husbands were college roommates and hockey team mates. We were all young with few responsibilities–a great big wonderful time to be friends. Even though our lives took us to different parts of the world, whenever we got back together, time had stood still.
I keep this little guardian angel on my work table where I make jewelry. I bought it with her in mind and kept it with this little gift tag she made me that has a wonderful personal message on the back. When Lisa was first diagnosed, she was visiting me and became interested in creating some of her own jewelry as a way to focus on something other than her illness and to inspire others to keep moving along through their own trials and tribulations. In her town of Sudbury, Ontario she became known for her bracelets and other goodies that added sparkle to so many peoples lives. There was no need for her to make jewelry to set off sparkle–Lisa dazzled us all from within!
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6 opinions for Lisa
Temple
Mar 7, 2008 at 2:08 am
My 1st trip to Paris was with my mother and sister. I was 12 she was 13. After that visit I was helplessly in love with this city. It spoke to me, then and now, in ways that I know I don’t have to explain to you. 14 years ago I lost my beloved sister to cancer - she was 24. The Christmas after her passing my parents and I decided to go to Paris for the holidays (my sister’s favorite). My mother and I lit candles for her at Notre Dame and every time I return to Paris I go to Notre Dame and light a candle for my sister - Rory. I am so sorry for your loss.
GodSpeed,
Temple
Daniel
Mar 7, 2008 at 9:23 am
Very sorry to hear of your friend’s passing.
It’s funny because whenever I go to Paris I light candles for both sets of my grandparents. Never knew any of them, but I feel compelled to do this for some reason.
Kim
Mar 7, 2008 at 9:39 am
Whatever you believe from a spritual perspective I think that being in that majestic cathedral which is so awe-inspiring, takes one to a place in their head and heart that doesn’t exist here on Earth. I think the ritual of lighting a candle with someone particular in mind connects us to them for a moment. It’s hard for me to explain in this little box.
Kim
Mar 7, 2008 at 11:09 am
PS-thank you both for your thoughts. We have much in common!
Andrew
Mar 8, 2008 at 3:14 pm
Wonderful. Fitting. Lovely.
Hope your ride is smooth sailing.
Until again.
Kim
Mar 8, 2008 at 9:16 pm
Andrew, coming from you that means so much as I know you 2 had a special relationship. A pleasure meeting you. You, your wife and Gracie are beautiful!
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