Cathy

My boss was a remarkable woman who died in 2003 aged 50 after being diagnosed with MND.

Tall ships,

ski slopes

and parachutes

formed your final

tunes.

 

The trumpet

of angels

was the wind

in your hair,

salt sea spray

on your cheeks,

and the crunch

of fresh snow

on the slopes.

 

No deathbed

drama

for you

as you took

to the skies,

jumped from planes,

careered off-piste

or set sail

upon an ocean

of dreams

you would

never live

to see.

 

25/11/20

Author's Note

Reviews

[John Alexander McFadyen]

She did indeed and soared to great hights in her professional career despite such prejudice against nurses in high office, and a female one at that. Many thanks Emma.

[emmajoygreen]

Such a fitting tribute for Cathy, a woman who lived in a world of gifts and accepted every one. Your words are more than respectful, more than special. The chosen music truly does cover an ever increasing wonder of movement.

[Carola]

your poem reads like a biographical eulogy, I'll bet she would be pleased with your words.
at least she was able to cram in as many activities as she fancied as she could before departing.
cheerio carola

[John Alexander McFadyen]

She was my boss once removed and I did not always agree with her but she was a remarkable person and so couragous. Many thanks for reading Carola. We head to your part of the world next month!

[Carola]

well it's springtime here & will be warmer than the UK

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Oh yes, as we are heading into winter.

[Robert Haigh]

A poignant write and a fine poetic tribute, with some good imagery!

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Thank you Robert. She was a special woman who skydived, sailed, climbed and much much more.

[Cyprian Van Dyke]

Ah, the imagery and the feeling that I can almost feel on my skin as I read your words. This is was amazing!

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Thank you for your kindness.

[barleygirl]

I've never seen a death tribute that could be less about death, which is what I love about this, truly the epitome of living. Great imagery, leaving it a little bit mysterious as to whether Cathy was able to actually do any of these physical adventures on her way down & out, or if it's all a figment of how she imagined her way to the rainbow bridge. Anyone would be honored by such a lively meaningful tribute. Here's hoping you & your loved ones are enjoying your Christmas week! (((HUGS))) Fondly, Margie

[Dave Brown]

Isn't there something about the good ones dying young
perhaps your very fine tribute will reach her ears

[John Alexander McFadyen]

I think her family know already, thanks Dave.

[Chris Shaw]

She did it her way. Lived her life to the full, even though it was cut short by a cruel disease. This is a fine tribute to a woman who refused to be beaten by illness. Admirable, as is your pen John.

Chris

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Thanks Chris. She was a brave woman with whom I had major disagreements lol, tis in my novel but she was inspirational.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

love this one...and it really says something about her as she strove to enjoy every last moment of life to the fullest, grandest, rather than cower from death and just fade away.
j.

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Indeed Jacob, she died as she lived. Adventure and fundraising. As my boss I did not always see eye to eye with her and she features in my novel! Many thank yous

[Cherrie]

A beautiful tribute John. I'm glad I stumbled upon it.

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Thank you Cherrie. She was a remarkable person.