Missing "Miss Sally"

She was the first one to welcome me into the neighborhood 28 years ago. 
She was my mentor when I started working at Jacque's preschool.
She was my next door neighbor.
She was my children's nursery leader, primary teacher, young women's leader.
She was the Relief Society President.
She was a leader, a friend, a mother, a daughter, a sister, an aunt, a listener, a helper.
Sally was someone EVERYONE loved and admired.  She was everybody's friend.


Sally was diagnosed with terminal cancer almost 5 years ago, but you would never know it if you
hadn't been told.  She lived her life no different after finding out than she did before.  I would still see her smiling and helping others, never dwelling on her own malady.  She would be out mowing her lawn up until just a couple of months ago.

Maybe this is why the news of her final moments and passing has had such an impact on me.  Because she
was always bright and cheery and doing things for others, I didn't see her pain and I was accustomed to her always being here, being Sally.  I didn't ever think that I would be someone who would regret leaving things unsaid when a loved one passed.  I do now.   I didn't take as many opportunities to visit her and let her know I cared and was thinking about her, especially the last month or so when I sensed something was going on.  I was so focused on my own little world and my hectic life this past year, that I didn't stop to keep in touch with her as I should have.  In a way, I guess I was fearful of what to say to her.  I would occasionally ask her how she was feeling, but I didn't go the extra mile.  I haven't really had anyone close to me be diagnosed with a terminal illness.  I didn't quite know what to say.     I didn't realize that her time was nearing an end.  I didn't get to say goodbye.  I feel like such a poor example of a neighbor and friend.


My mind has been flooded with quotes and song lyrics that describe Sally.  The one I really love is the one from the musical "Wicked" titled "For Good".  Excerpts below:  It was actually referred to at Sally's funeral as well.

I've heard it said


That people come into our lives for a reason

Bringing something we must learn

And we are led

To those who help us most to grow

If we let them

And we help them in return

Well, I don't know if I believe that's true

But I know I'm who I am today

Because I knew you...


It well may be


That we will never meet again

In this lifetime

So let me say before we part

So much of me

Is made of what I learned from you

You'll be with me

Like a handprint on my heart

And now whatever way our stories end

I know you have re-written mine

By being my friend...

Who can say if I've been


Changed for the better?

I do believe I have been

Changed for the better

And because I knew you...


Because I knew you...


I have been changed for good...




I can't believe that her light is gone, and yet I don't really think it will be. The light that comes from seeing her and talking to her will be gone, but the light of her being, her example lives on in the hearts of all she came in contact with and can never be dimmed..  She made an impact on everyone who knew her.  There aren't alot of people in the world that you can say that about.  I've been privileged to know her, to work with her, to live next to her, to be associated with her in some small way.

Her passing has made me look inward at myself and realize that I want/need to be a better person.  I want to be positive instead of negative.  I need to stop letting my fear and insecurities keep me from reaching out to others.  I need to tell  my family and friends more often that I love them.  I need to be happy.  I need to be an example of Christ's love.   I don't ever want to have regrets again. I can honor her memory by trying to spread her light. I can't be Sally, but I can definitely strive to be better.  That is the impact you have left on me Sally.

Goodbye, dear Sally. I will miss you here on earth. I hope that I will live a life worthy to see you again someday.