For those of you who don't know, I work as a case manager for the Mental Health Center of Denver (MHCD). In my work I get the opportunity to work with people with severe and persistent mental illness and substance abuse problems. I have the privilege to be a part of 28 peoples lives on a daily basis and support them when ever, however they may need me.
This past week one of the people I was fortunate enough to be a part of her life, passed away in her sleep. Her passing has touched me deeply. For confidentiality purposes I will call her Jane.
I came into Jane's life almost two years ago. I remember the first time she came into the clinic to meet me, skeptical and reserved to meet yet another case manager. In that first hour of meeting me we formed a mutual respect and bond that lasted until her passing.
To say Jane's life was hard and she had struggles that she over came would be an understatement. Jane came to MHCD 6 years ago homeless, and struggling with addiction and untreated Bipolar disorder.. By the time I met her 2 years ago she had 3 years of recovery from addiction and 3 years of recovery from Bipolar disorder. Jane had taken the challenges in her life and turned them into learning experiences that she overcame.
Jane had a way of reaching out to people and making them feel welcomed and love. She had an incredible ability to ALWAYS see the positive and beauty in everything and everyone. She lived modestly yet always gave whatever she could to someone in need. Her heart was bigger than the room and so was her love for life. When ever life presented her with a challenge she faced it and remained positive. Jane's ability to remain positive was amazing and humbling at the same time and she always amazed me with her inner strength and resilience.
Jane did not have to let me be a part of her life. I can not express how HONORED I always felt the she did allow me to share her life, that she allowed me to be by her side during the challenges that arose. Jane was truly one of the most amazing people I have ever met. I feel privileged to have shared 2 years of her life with her.
What I take from knowing Jane is summed up in one of her favorite sayings:
Live Well
Love Large
And
Laugh Often.
I thank you Jane for the privilege of knowing you and for allowing me to share a part of your life.
I know you are with the Angels singing and dancing.
When I read your memorial to your friend Jane, sitting in the back of my brain was my friend Joan. Although I was fortunate, by comparison, to have Joan in my life for many years, knowing angels is a gift. My friend Mary said to me after Joan's death, "Don't worry Cookie, Joanie will see to it that St. Peter opens those gates for you." A comforting thought. We will see our J's again. Love, Mom
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