Maria

Every once in a while, you meet someone that makes one hell of an impression on you. During my volunteer work, I met someone like that. Her name was Maria, and she was employee of the elderly home where we do our volunteer work. She was responsible for organizing activities for the residents. But she did so much more. The “organization” for which we do our volunteer work, which is an unofficial organization of residents helping each other in whatever way they can, was not part of her official job, but she helped whenever she could. We organize a quarterly evening with drinks and snacks and music, and she was there, even after a long work day. Unfortunately, like it seems to happen with many good people, she got ill. A brain tumor got the best of her. And even in her period of illness she remained positive. She still did all she could to have a good time, and to have the people around her have a good time. Because of her illness, I didn't see her as often as I used to, but luckily just a few weeks ago we met her on the street near my in-laws, who live near her house. Marjolein en I went with her at first just to see some of the pictures she made while attending, as a guest – not an organizer – the quarterly evening. We stayed to talk for the rest of the afternoon. It is her enthusiasm and limitless care for others that impressed me most I guess. And the way in which, even in the dire situation in which she found herself, she made the best of everything. An impressive person. Unbelievably so. Last monday, June 19th, she finally passed away, much later than any doctor had expected it. Tuesday evening I heard about it. And since then, it's been lingering in my thoughts. It is sad to have to miss her. It is good that she does not have to suffer anymore. Even though I don't believe in afterlife or such things, I want to aim my final words to Maria: Thank you for all your caring. You will be missed and remembered.
June 21, 2006 - tags: personal