In Memoriam

Michelle West

Today my dear friend Michelle died of breast cancer. She valiantly fought her disease for five and half years. I will miss her immensely. She helped me transition to life back in the United States. She was my walking partner. She shared dreams and ideas with me. She took me to religion and yoga class with her. She was one of my three book group buddies. She loved our sauna. She let me practice massage on her every week. She taught me how to be a better therapist. She had the hairdo (bald) that I have never dared to have, but always wanted. She remembered my birthday every year. But more than anything, she was an inspiration to me to be my best and live life to its fullest.

A Few Memories of Michelle

On our morning walks Michelle and I often shared ideas and dreams. I shared with her one of my secrets. I hated dealing with hair - it took too much time and never looked quite right. And it seemed that every other girl had the same complaint. I told her that when I create people that they will be bald! Of course, I knew that people would wear hats to keep their heads warm and make fashion statements, but they wouldn’t have to spend hours every day washing, drying, curling, and making it look just right. (Quin reminds me that the other half of the creative team has to agree to this plan - I’m still working on that!) Almost six years ago, Michelle found me working in the garden and told me that she would get to live my dream and have a bald head. It took a few seconds for me to understand what she was really telling me. 

The past five and half years I have spent many hours with Michelle, going to religion and yoga class, discussing books, letting her use our sauna, and wonderful hours massaging her. I thought she had the most wonderful bald head! She did confirm that it is easy to care for. We continued to share ideas and dreams and she told me about the many sewing projects she had done over the years. She was most excited about the outfits she sewed for her granddaughter this past year. This morning, 30 January 2015, an army of ladies (and my husband) gathered at the West home to decorate and prepare for some of her kids to arrive from out of state. A few of us cleaned the downstairs. In the guest bedroom were scattered scraps of material, lots of thread, and pattern pieces. They were the remnants of Michelle’s last sewing project. We put it in bags and drawers, threw away the obvious trash, and vacuumed. Lowering the sewing machine into the table was a sacred moment for me. Here Michelle had labored alone. Here Michelle had let some of her many creative juices flow. Here Michelle had created love and many fond memories for her family. That was the moment I knew I was saying good-bye to my dear friend.

Don’t be dismayed at goodbyes.
A farewell is necessary before you can meet again.  
And meeting again, after moments or lifetimes, 
is certain for those who are friends.

I will miss Michelle and will always cherish the years we had together. I look forward to meeting again. My heart and prayers are with her family now.