In Memoriam...
This woman we knew, weighed down by disease, but carried it like an old comfortable purse... it never got in her way. Her strength was her most prized feature. She fought harder and longer than many we knew... but you couldn't tell. She cast a light about her, never a shadow. A brightness that warmed others to her; and I think many chased that light when they needed her perspective... she never considered defeat. We all like to think we can handle anything until that rare occasion when we meet someone who actually can. How can you describe such a warrior? How could we compare to... her. She's fought for years, a battle that many gave up long before now. Time after time, she continued to rally when all the odds were against her. In the world of oncology, she was as close as you can get to a miracle. No one I have ever encountered defied the odds to such extent, especially with a rare mutation.

Today... she chose to take another path. She didn't yield to her cancer, she CHOSE to walk with God instead. She made the conscious decision to have the vent removed, and take that one endless breath unencumbered by bone and flesh. Tonight she ascends the steps of heaven without the weight of a body tormented by disease. Like a chrysalis that opened to let the butterfly emerge, she unfolded now winged and reborn. With her family at her bedside, she stepped between the veil that separates heaven and earth. For a moment... she let them feel the peace that lays just beyond the other side before it closed behind her... her final gift. Tonight the skies are lit with stars made of diamonds, and the steps to heaven lined with silver, gold, and the most precious of jewels; for a warrior returns home. Her last breath taken at 11:11 AM. 1111 signifies one of the most powerful angel numbers... isn't that just fitting. So tonight before you close your eyes to sleep, know that there is a little more light in the heavens, and sadly... a little darker here on earth. More shadow I fear, less warmth, and one beam of light forever darkened to our eyes... but never to our hearts. Michelle Li: Date of Birth 02.11.1980. Date of Ascension 04.20.2024... let her kindle your soul and make strong your battle.

Carmi