Diane Patton, a shining star...

What can I say about Diane? She is a shining star. Giant smile, infectious laugh. All about fun and all about love. Unconventional and non-judgmental. Everyone who came into contact with her is her friend. I never once heard anything negative come out of her mouth or a single criticism of another person. I am so lucky that I met Diane. That is her wearing red, standing next to me in the picture below from last New Year's Eve.

On June 25^th, Diane left this world. She had breast cancer the entire four years I knew her. Most people she knew casually never would have guessed. Diane believed that the best way to counteract the cancer was not through radiation or drugs. She believed in living and eating healthily. She believed in the power of natural healing. She drank wheat grass juice and practiced Reiki. She danced and laughed and spent time with the people she loved. I was so sure that it would work. I can’t quite wrap my mind around the fact that someone who was so vividly alive is no longer living.

Today we celebrated her life. So many people – family, neighbors, parents of children she taught, fellow Reiki practitioner, swing dancers – she touched all of our lives. What a treat to hear her sisters and brothers tell stories about Diane from their childhood years. How special to finally meet the grown sons she was so proud of. How amazing to sit on the pier and watch the seagulls fly over, see a lone fisherman in a canoe, feel the ocean breeze and hear the children playing in the waves. Reminders that life is all around us.

This truly was a celebration – everyone wearing bright colors. We told funny stories about Diane. We danced and laughed and smiled and loved each other. I learned so much from Diane about appreciating things, enjoying what is going on right now, loving unconditionally. Diane, you modeled every wonderful quality that I aspire to have. I promise you that every day I will appreciate something about my life. And I will see something wonderful in everyone I meet.

This lovely poem was handed out to us at the celebration today:

Do not stand at my grave and weep.
I am not there, I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow,
I am the diamond glints on the snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain,
I am the gentle autumn's rain.
When you awaken in the morning's hush,
I am the swift uplifting rush.
Of quiet birds in circled flight,
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry;
I am not there, I did not die.