I met Trish while doing Coffee Service. She always came early and offered to help out. We got to talking and she said she loved traveling. I said I wanted to visit Ireland and Scotland. We made a plan to travel together in a year or so. Unfortunately, it never came to pass. We shared many life experiences. It was a joy talking with her.
Trish was a Nurse Practitioner at Harbor General Hospital for many years before retiring. Her joy was working with children and families.
She and Carol Ring went to Rome two years ago. Carol sent me the picture above of a Trish full of life, joyful, happy, and adventurous.
I visited Trish in the ICU ward at Santa Monica Hospital a few days before she passed away. Beverly Shoenberger and Trish’s son, Ishmael, were there, too. Trish could only speak a few words at a time. She was mostly resting with her eyes closed. She acknowledged me and we held hands. Bev mostly sat quietly, speaking to Trish with a few loving words. Trish was able to share briefly what she was feeling and to feel heard and accepted.
Both Beverly’s and Trish’s phones beeped around noon to remind them of the UUSM Meditation Zoom group was beginning. Bev was able to log onto Zoom with help from Trish in navigating the hospital’s wifi system! The people in the Meditation class were able to be with Trish. Each person in the group spoke to Trish and said they loved her and she said, “I love you, too.” They sat together in silence for 20 minutes. Bev noticed how Trish’s breathing became calm while meditating. At the end Trish said, “Thank you… Goodbye.”
Rev. Jeremiah called to see if it was okay to visit. Trish said “yes.” I left before Rev. Jeremiah arrived. I hope she was comforted by his visit. I know he said all the right things to her.
After I left her room, I began to cry. So sad to lose a friend, too soon for her to die. She had a lot of spunk and energy during her life and bravely fought her lung disease for many years.
On returning home, I thought about how wonderful it was that Trish was surrounded by her loved ones and friends. I only hope when my time comes, that I can have a such loving and caring experience at the end of my days.
