Quote of the Day: “The service we render others is the rent we pay for our room on earth.” Wilfred Grenfell
When I was at Lynne’s service in Oregon, one of her friends, Millie, told me a story that so touched me- I could picture it happening to Lynne and I could so relate to it because of my experience with cancer. She said that they had a group of golfing friends that would play in a tournament every year in Roseburg. One of the requirements was that each player had to put in 10 scores at Roseburg in order to use their handicaps for the tournament. They all had busy schedules and weren’t able to get those times in so when they got to the tournament they were going to be docked 10 points each on their handicaps. They were waiting in the clubhouse after discussing this matter, when someone came to tell them that yes they would be docked 10 points each except for Lynne Starley because she had breast cancer. Millie said Lynne’s head just dropped to her chest. Millie asked her, “Lynne what’s wrong?” and Lynne told her that she didn’t want to be defined by breast cancer. Her friends stood up for her and objected and said that they were all going to take the 10 point loss. And here’s the best part of all, they won the tournament.
That’s the kind of person she was. She never wanted to be given special privileges because of her circumstances. I’m sure the club meant it as a gesture of kindness but it’s a good lesson in how we treat others or how we allow something like an illness or disease to define that person. I don’t want to be known as a person with cancer, rather to be known that I fought cancer with a positive attitude and tremendous outlook on life. Moreover, that I didn’t become discouraged and that I kept on living because I understood I had been given so many wonderful opportunities for the best life ever. Before Lynne died, she explained to her family that this was her journey. She said that she was happy with her life and that she had had a great life.”
In her obituary it says: “She always displayed a strong, fun-loving deameanor that was true and genuine. Her passion for life influenced those around her to pursue life at its fullest. Lynne withheld an unrelenting, incredible strength that came deep from within.”
And I miss her! I have a sweet voice mail from her that she left in July. I haven’t been able to listen to it since she passed away, but I’m glad it’s there. I’m glad I will be able to hear her voice say “Hey Joanie”. I want to hold on to that sound.
The leaves have changed- hillside in Park City- September 24, 2011
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