As often as I vent my frustration regarding mean, insensitive people (or rather their selfish or bullish behaviour), this past few weeks served up two positive examples of positive, healing, helpful people in this world.
The sort of folk who make a difference.
The kind of people who make a choice to do something kind or gracious.
Thankfully there are those who share such positive energy and kindness on a daily basis, their genuine lust for life, and love for others never seems to diminish.
They seem to have embraced early that their choice of action and reaction will be love, kindness, compassion and sharing. They are rare, actually, those relentless angels
The first angel we met in the Laboratory Clinic at Kelowna General Hospital.
When Tez and I arrived, we sat across from a young woman perhaps in her early 30s. We exchanged nods and a minute later she was called in to the lab.
As she exited some 10 minutes later, I jokingly said to her, “Oh good you made it - I guess it is safe in there after all?”
She paused, looked at me with a small grin of knowledge and then walked over.
“I’m glad you spoke to me. I wanted to say something to you but decided I would wait to see if you would say something first, then I would know.
“I am Diana. I am not sure why you are here (at the lab) but I assume you have something major going on. I feel I must tell you something. It is important. Never stop making plans.”
She paused as I looked at her, eyes wide open.
“I was told I had a brain tumour and that nothing could be done. That I had less than a year to live. That was one year ago today. I am here to tell you, please - whatever your issue is, do not quit. Do not stop making plans.”
Then she left.
I was speechless. I had just been kissed by an angel with a message.
Just the night before in a moment of weakness and self pity, I had moaned to Tez how tired I was and how I sometimes felt like just getting off the merry-ground.
Two days later, a respiratory nurse friend called and informed me that a client had passed on and that the family wanted to find someone who would use and appreciate a modern, relatively new, oxygen tank.
I humbly jumped at the chance to have a lighter, more efficient air supply that I could use to be more portable and mobile.
I had no idea what a marvelous gift was about to arrive. Ironically, I knew of the donor as well which makes the gift that much more meaningful.
Sadly for our community, Cynthia Anne Hunter (Ellis) died March 16 from complications with COPD but insisted before she departed that many of her personal items be repurposed. That is the kind, thinking and sharing person Cynthia was all of her life.
Known by many locals as the president and founder of the Central Okanagan Heritage Society, she was a driving force behind salvaging and preserving Benvoulin Heritage Church, Guisachan House and the Laurel Building among others.
A consummate optimist and hard worker, Cynthia’s poise made her equally at home in the drawing room taking tea or cutting firewood at camp.
Her magnetic personality drew people together and to her. She had a unique ability to motivate others and was never short of friends or family around her.
Her community service earned her the Queen’s Golden Jubilee award.
In more recent years, her optimism manifest itself as bravery and a good deal of courage. When she was faced with daunting health challenges, yet did so with her usual indomitable spirit.
Even in her final moments and gestures, Cynthia thought of others.
Today I proudly carry about a new breath of life over my left shoulder, a gracious gift from one I hardly knew.
There is not a breathe I take that will not be a gift from Cynthia. I am humbled.
Angels abound.
Her funeral service will be held April 3, 2017, 2 p.m., at St Andrew’s Church Condolences can be sent to the family by visiting www.firstmemorialfuneralkelowna.com