My Motivation, Inspiration, Strength and Determination… My Great Aunt Joanne

There are certain words every single human being needs to hear.  My great aunt Joanne (above on the left, to the right is my grandmother) on my father’s side was a huge inspiration to me, and for the brief time I knew her (family history issues) she changed my life in every way a person can.  She always provided the advice I needed to hear that actually got through to me.  She was one of the strongest, most stubborn and independent women I have ever known.  I must say, I miss her with all my heart and try to live everyday fulfilling the possibility she saw in me and the world itself.  Below is one of the most beautifully haunting letters I have ever received.  I received this just before my 21st birthday (I am now 24) when she was dying of cancer… so beautiful, honest and brave that I can’t help but cry my heart out as I write this…

January 4, 2006

“Well Robyn, I may not be around to wish you a happy 21st birthday in person, but you better beleive I’ll be with you in spirit on your special day & for the rest of your life.

I’m so grateful I got to know you in the, too, short time we had together.

While I love you for many reasons, I’m proud of you for listening to your heart & soul & for trying to do the right thing.

Stepping away from the crowd takes courage – sometimes it’s lonely because few dare to realize their potential.  But, it will be more rewarding in the long run & you will meet a few people who are diamonds in your life’s path.

Find your passions, in work, leisure, friendships, family & invest those passions with your efforts.  The time we are given is finite & too precious to waste on people who are “stuck” or can’t rejoice in the wonder that is life.

I wish I could pass on more life lessons as you age, but I trust you have the wisdom to discover your own guiding truths.

Know that I loved you before you were born & I will love you beyond death.  I’m with you, in your heart, always.

So please honour my life by living yours in rich colour.  Let sadness lead you to joy – to an appreciation of the possible.

I celebrate your 21st on the 21st.  May it be a day of auspiciously dazzling beginnings.”

April 12, 2006

“I’m still here to add my final note about your tuition.  I promised to put money aside for your schooling until you turned 21.  Then I would release the remainder to you.  Happy 21st.  The money is for your tuition – hope it helps you get ahead of the demand.

I wish you nothing but success.

I’m cheering for you, no matter where I am.

All my love,

Joanne”

My aunt hung in until my 21st birthday to wish me a happy birthday.  She passed on only a few days later.  I know how much pain she endured just so that I could enjoy my day with her still in my life.  This is the most generous thing (and will be for the rest of my life) anybody has ever done in my honor.  Completely selfless, she was the epitome of determination.  There are so many ways and reasons I feel I am eternally indebted to her for.  It is really incredible the power some people are capable of, and so true that one action can creates reactions all over the world.

I know this is a heavy post, but I couldn’t possibly celebrate where I am in life without thinking of all the people who guided me here and cheer me on every single day.

Joanne helped me pay my way through fashion design school and always stood behind me chasing my dreams.  She believed in me, even when I made mistakes.  She inspired me and encouraged me along my learning process.  I have nothing but eternal gratitude towards having had her in my life as well as family.  I hope this reaches someone else who just needs to hear it, that there is someone out there (or above) cheering you on to be the best you can be.

I am cheering you all on!  Go for it!

… Alright… enough… my sweater is drenched, need to kick my ass to the Kleenex box…

xox

beautiful last letter cancer victim courageous family my life strength words to live by Posted under Personal, inspiration by Robyn