What if we practiced courage every single day?
A dear friend of mine, Tamese gave me a plaque with this saying after she learned of Claudia's passing. And it spoke volumes to me. Claudia had such courage and determination in her life and overcame so many obstacles with strength and perseverance.
She was independent and lived surrounded by the things she loved, her kittens or "kiddos" as we called them and photos of her family members adorned her home.
She displayed tremendous courage and strength as she fought to overcome so many obstacles in life. Sadly, she had an operation a few years back for spinal stenosis (to relieve pressure on her spine) that left her with an additional condition called arachnoiditis. This pain was so severe causing her to have such pain in her feet that she found it necessary to use a powerchair to get through the day. But my sister adapted! She used her powerchair to greet the bus and ride into Seattle everyday from her Edmond's home.
Her courage, strength, and sheer determination were what I admired so very much.
We love you Claudia. You taught us how to live with courage, passion and excitement. Godspeed. Karen Kovacik
ReplyDeleteYou will be greatly missed, yet I rejoice that you are now pain free. No more torture for you Claudia. You have fought the battle well, with courage, determination and strength left behind for us to hold fast to. May the Lord surround your loved ones left behind during this time and embrace them with His gentle and loving presence. Godspeed, Claudia. Mel Helmick
ReplyDeleteYou are to be an inspiration for ever...Love...
ReplyDeleteDans l’obscurité de mon bureau
ReplyDeleteMon clavier pleure ces quelques mots
Les yeux hagards et le cœur vide
Je me demande encore comment poursuivre
La chaleur de ta voix
Nos mots tendrement partagés
Ton soutien dans notre combat
Ces souvenirs me font craquer
Je n’ai pas vu les larmes derrière tes sourires
Pas imaginé, sous le soleil que tu irradiais,
Qu‘en un éclair, une matinée d’été
Quelques nuages balaieraient tes pensées
Plus jamais je ne pourrai t’oublier
Plus jamais je ne veux oublier
Que la vie est bien triste
Quand on perd une amie
Le temps est aux questions
Le temps est aux regrets
A ce que l’on aurait du faire
Mais que l’on a pas fait
Je sais pourtant que je dois avancer
Que je dois encore lutter
Et comme c’est aussi ce que tu voulais
Pour toi, je le promets, je continuerai
Et si un jour le doute emplit ma raison
Je regarderai vers l’horizon
Là où, entre ciel et Terre
Je pourrai lire ton nom
In the darkness of my Office
DeleteMy keyboard mourns these few words
Wild eyes and empty heart
I still wonder how to go on
The warmth of your voice
The words that we tenderly shared
Your support in our fight
These memories make me fall apart
I have not seen tears behind your smiles
Not imagined what was hidden under the sun all around you,
That suddenly, on a summer morning
That clouds were invading your thoughts
I can never forget you
I will never forget you
How sad is Life
When we lose a friend
Time is to questions
Time is to regret
To what we could have done
But that we did not do.
I know that I must move forward
That I must still fight
As this is what you wanted too
For you, I promise, I will go on.
And if one day doubt comes in my mind
I’ll look at the horizon
Where, between Sky and Earth
I’ll read your name
I just heard about Claudia's passing, and wanted to extend my deepest sympathies to her family and all who were close to her. I grew up with Claudia on Mercer Island, and though I haven't seen her for many years, I remember her like it was yesterday. The courage and grace with which Claudia lived her life leave me in awe to this very day and will remain an inspiration to me always.
ReplyDeleteThank you Debra for your kind words and for sharing your thoughts. Much appreciated!
DeleteI also went to high-school with her an would see her around town from time to time in the intervening years. Like Debbie, I am left with memories of the courage and grace with which she lived her life, she was and is an inspiration. May God bless Claudia and her family and friends. Rest in peace, we will not forget you.
ReplyDeleteEric Hansen
I am very touched to see photos from Coach Caley's 1988-1989 MIHS production of "Conference of The Birds" here. What a blessing to have done that with Claudia. She was a star.
ReplyDeleteThank you Eric for the lovely words and for filling in the blank of the name of the play. Was it a photo of you and her that I posted?
DeleteI too grew up with Claudia. The very first thing that came to mind was us playing together as children in elementary school. The second, a reminder that Claudia was one of the most special people I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. God bless Claudia.
ReplyDeleteThank you Kristi for sharing with us.
DeleteI am so sorry for your loss. Your website is a beautiful tribute. Hold your memories close to your heart. Claudia was a sweet soul.
ReplyDeleteThank you Amy!
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