Someone told me a story of envy.....

Some people go through life making the best of it, stopping to smell the roses I guess. And then some people live to get through life. Recently my Mom told me a story a good friend, Paula, shared with her about her niece; a very simple girl, but a girl that had an impact on the people around her. Her name is Marie. Marie was 40 years old, had and apartment, had a job that paid the bills. Why is this unique? She also had Down Syndrome. It is phenominal to see how far the medical field had come. Sadly, the old statistics for Down Syndrome patients didn't allow much hope past the teens. To be out in the world and successful at life....amazing strength. A lot of that strength came from her mom, Catherine. She took care of Marie her entire life even from her home across town she was there for her daughter 24/7.

Sadly, about 18 months ago Catherine passed away. People wondered how Marie would do. Who would help take care of her. Thankfully her Aunt stepped in and filled Catherine's shoes nicely. Unfortunately, Marie suffered a medical emergency and went in to a coma for weeks. She then passed away last week, suffering greatly in her last moments. The day came for her wake and when Paula arrived she was awestruck by the out pour of respect being paid to this exceptional person.

Marie worked and she took the bus everyday to work and back home again. Amazingly, she took the time to get to know each person along her route. She passed the Fire Department, the Police Department, and all the usual neighborhood mailmen and walkers. A man during her Eulogy talked about how you didn't love Marie for talking to her, you loved her for being interviewed by her. She asked you all the important questions...your name, what do you do, do you have any kids.....simply put...who are you? She asked these questions not to be nosey, not to gossip to others, but simply because she wanted to know the answer. The even more unique part is she remembered your answers as so many of us say "How are you?" on a daily basis, but never actually hear the answer or respond to it.

Not only did Paula see Marie's family and friends kneeling and praying for this gentlewoman, she watched the entire Fire Department, entire Police Department, and everyone along her daily route take time from their lives to pay tribute to her and even honor her with badges left in her casket. This woman who was delt a hand that none of us reading this right now can even imagine living, touched so many lives with her natural unquestionable love for life and the people that were lucky enough to come in touch with her. I didn't have the honor to ever meet her and I surely lack from the experience. I am greatful that I have been told her story and that the 500 people that were at her wake will tell her story too.

The reason I titled this with envy is because I am in envy. I envy her character and pureness and hope that no matter what cards I am dealt I can remember her interviewing skills and the meaning behind the questions.