Sunday, Jan 31, we sat on the beach at Manasota Key and watched as the sun set. It had been an overcast afternoon, but by 4:00 the skies had cleared in the west and the sun appeared just above the horizon. The surf was coming in fast and furious. A storm was on the way. But in that few minutes we watched as the sun touched the surface of the water, and then slowly sank into the ocean.
How do you find hope in the death of a friend?
As it disappeared I reflected on the life of an amazing woman, cut way too short and way too unexpectedly. The life of a dear friend, a coworker, an Alpha Phi sister, and a mentor. None of those words can fully contain all that she was, because Candy did every one of them beyond their definition.
You find hope by celebrating her life - and living a life like hers.
Candy was an active volunteer, passionately supporting what she loved: Itasca State Park, Soaring Eagle Ski Trails, and education. She was one of those members a group can depend on, often taking on the jobs that no one else wanted to do. President. Treasurer. Secretary. Director. She did them all.
Candy could take on any challenge and complete it successfully. Not only was it done, it was done well. In our little education sorority, when Candy said "we should do this" we did it. She brought others into leadership too, because she knew how to get everyone involved. Candy could be counted on to make sure the task was completed.
Candy knew how to be a friend. I think she knew everyone - and she included everyone! She would send an email invitation to a big group of people she thought might get along and have a spontaneous arts & crafts party, or mystery trip. Let's make a wreath. Let's decorate a wine bottle. Bring your hot glue gun and come on over.
Expecting a hot summer day? Candy would gather a group of friends to go kayaking. Or she'd plan a "lake day"on her pontoon. Bring out all the toys. We'd lounge, paddle and laugh like teenagers.
Always active, even on the coldest winter days, Candy would arrange cross country skiing or snow shoe gatherings. As long as there was snow, people would gather. But when you finished the outdoor activity, the most fun was gathering in the warming house or around a bonfire with snacks and wine. And Candy never seemed to be in a hurry to leave.
And best of all, Candy taught me how to "be retired". And that meant to be active, to do what you wanted to do, and to do it with abundant joy. More than once she told me "You're retired. You can do whatever you want. Just do what you love."
Candy knew how to celebrate family. Not only would she travel miles to watch her grandkids participate in any activity, but Candy welcomed them to her Big Sand Lake house in the summer. For weeks before they arrived she would plan their activities: camp games! Scavenger hunts! And of course, there were many bonfires, great meals, and relaxing hours spent on the lake...all planned by Candy.
As I watch the sun set I wonder how our community will go on without her...but I know that Candy taught us well.
I know I am better because of her. She will live on in me.
You are better because of her too. Candy will live on in you.
