Tuesday, February 28, 2006

285. Dancer

I just found out that a member of my congregation passed away, a woman of about 40, of cancer. She was diagnosed a few years ago with a particularly rare form, had surgery and chemo, and was pronounced just fine. Last year she had a recurrence. She leaves behind a husband and young boy and girl. I didn't know her personally aside from saying hello every once in awhile, but watched her almost every week for years dancing at the back of the sanctuary during services--she was thin as a rail and moved like a feather, blowing up and down, back and forth to the beat. She had a beautiful voice and would occasionally chant haftarah.

I saw her a few weeks ago and she seemed to be made of nothing more than energy and eyes, watching everything around her very intently because there was little else she could do, and perhaps to sear it forever in memory. I am so very sad for her children. I hope she's at peace.

3 comments:

Regina said...

She has gone back to her true energy now- back to G-d. I am sorry as well, aa- even if you did not know her well, she was still a presence in your life, obviously, from the beautiful way you describe her. She sounds like a wonderful person...

alto artist said...

She really was. I thank you for your words of comfort.
--aa.

~Jan said...

Oh dear, I just wrote an entry on cancer, and then stopped by and read this. I'm so sorry for the loss of your friend.