Fiji is far away from everything. I really feel it on days like this when I'd rather be in a small town in Northeast Tennessee than in the tropics. My friend Sam Jones is dying. To me, she has always been the embodiment of a strong woman. It's been a honor to know her, to become a stronger woman because of her advice and encouragement, and to see her raise strong women of her own.
Today I light a virtual candle in honor of Sam Jones as she prepares for the next step in her journey.
My candle is from earlier this year during Cyclone Zena when we used sea urchin shells on top of candles to keep the flames from going out in the wind. As the storm approached with only the glow of the shells lighting our meal I was entranced by the patterns coming though the shells. Similarly, the light shining through Sam has left an incredible imprint on the world she is leaving.
Dear Sam, I've learned so much from you. I love you and I'm incredibly thankful to have known you.
http://www.amerikaonline.net/2015/11/i-love-you-sam-jones.html
And just like I did when I learned of her cancer last year, I think I'm going to go cry now.