Cora by wysiwig
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Description
Have you ever met someone for the first time and immediately recognized them as a good and decent person? That was my reaction when I was first introduced to Cora and Terry. Terry is a big white teddy bear. Cora is a tiny Filipino woman. They are two of the nicest people I have ever met. While students at the University of Maryland in the early 1960s they fell in love but could not marry because marriage between whites and "brown people" was a crime in the state of Maryland until 1967. And that is how they came to California. They have been married for forty-five years and are two of my personal heroes.
Cora has cancer.
Cora is dying.
The medics have told her she will not see February. She has said on several occasions that she does not want people coming to visit her in the funeral home or bringing flowers to her funeral. She would rather have those things while she is alive. And so it was that yesterday her friends and family gathered to celebrate Cora's life. We came to visit and we brought flowers. And we drank really good wine and told stories and laughed. And we showed this woman of such grace and courage how much we loved her. And who knows, perhaps our actions will give her the strength to live long enough to see one more spring and give the lie to the doctor's predictions.
I have never been one for symbols. No buttons or bumper stickers for me but last night I was given a pink wrist strap symbolizing the battle against breast cancer. I think I shall be wearing it for some time.
So many people like Cora are abandoned by friends and family when they need them most. "I feel so awkward", "Will I catch something?", "What will I say?". What will you say? What you always say. You will gossip or talk about what's on television. You will talk about politics or your child's latest accomplishment. It doesn't matter as long as you show them you care.
If you have someone like Cora in your life, call them. Or visit them. Bring them some soup or better yet some really good wine and some flowers. Laugh, hug, cry if you must, I can guarantee you won't regret it. Do it for them. Do it for yourself. God is watching.
Comments (21)
GiMi53
Touching story... and true advices ! :~)
durleybeachbum
What a great story. Yes, DO it, folks! A superb double portrait.
Faemike55
Very touching and moving image and story I wish Cora & terry peace and love Wonderful photo showing strength and love You are a lucky man to have met them and be their friend they in turn are blessed by your love and friendship
clbsmiley
This is great! So glad you went! :)
NefariousDrO
Very moving story, I'm sorry both for her, and for you because you'll be losing someone you clearly value very much. Whenever I'm confronted by a loved one of the family of a loved one passing, I try to tell myself that I'll always remember them and that they're making way for the next generation, like the flowers that droop in the fall so that there's room for the new ones when spring returns. It's not always easy for me to do, though. Hang in there, people are pulling for you! Very nice portrait of both of them it feels as if they're clearly having fun and sharing a laugh.
MrsLubner
I totally agree. Now, my father turned people away at the door when he was home dying of cancer. He did not want anyone to see him dying, however, he was a very friendly man with a long list of friends he saw often up until hospice took over. 3 months after his passing, when my mother was hospitalized with brain cancer and lay there dying, she died alone except for her father, brother and me. There was no one else who came. 3 weeks later when she died, I spent hours on the phone and writing letters to her wonderful friends letting them know she was gone. To be fair, I don't think its just cancer people run from. My daughter had spinal surgery not long ago and only one friend bothered to call and come to visit her while she recuperated. This is a beautiful photo and it shines with love, compassion and life. Well done.
auntietk
Such a loving tribute. Beautifully photographed and beautifully said, my friend.
wotan
I'm really touched with this history my friend... beautiful and emotive photo and dedicatory!
blondeblurr
How kind of you Mark, having recognised and experienced, who your real friends are. One doesn't need many friends in life - a handful is just fine. But lifelong friends are very special and what a wonderful thing to do, to gather there all of you and celebrate the good times you have all known together. Bless you, BB PS 'There is more to life than WINE - but not much!' I love the writing on her 'T' ...
tennesseecowgirl
Thank you for sharing their story and this wonderful message we all need to follow these words. My thoughts will be with them and with you as well.
netot
I cant, wish them love because they already have it. It´s great they have a friend like you and you have friends like them. This is one of my mother's favorite poems. I hope that the translation preserves the meaning . What the poet says is true and I think we should apply not only to those who know with certainty that they will die, but all the people around us, because life is so fragile that we do not know if we will see the next sunrise "...make my moment easy, because once I die, once the first shovelful of earth fall on my coffin, of nothing will serve me you cry, your sorry if I had not my bitter life sweetened. Now that I live and suffer, everything is gall or honey to my soul. A smile, a word, a look, just a friendly gesture, brings healing and comfort for my troubled heart. After already lost in the darkness of the grave, nothing will serve me. Now you can give me love, Before, just empty words and tears delayed. So, make my moment soft, make my moment easy if you feel desire to sweeten my bitter life." Alberto Masferrer
whaleman
Yes, too many people feel uncomfortable at these times but they need to remember that their discomfort is mild and transient. They should visit and just be themselves, nothing more is needed or expected.
hipps13
such beautiful smiles a tear cries just because care is around warm hugs, Linda and do take care too
dakotabluemoon
Such a wonderful tribute hon and my heart and prayers go out to u both may god be with u always.
JuliSonne
Many people in our life cross our path. Some come and go, some stay for a time ..... but only a few remain for ever. Sometimes you think you've lost them from the eyes and hit it again for years. Then you talk to them, sharing their joys and suffering .... and ..... you feel as if it were yesterday. Good to have friends, is ..... like home coming. And if loved people go , they tear a hole in our heart. Smile, because you were allowed this friendship experience. A wonderful Portrait, eine wonderful remember!
sandra46
I'M GRATEFUL YOU CHOSE TO SHARE THIS STORY! THANKS!
sandra46
I'M GRATEFUL YOU CHOSE TO SHARE THIS STORY! THANKS!
anianiani
Touching...Thanks for sharing.
mariogiannecchini
Very touching story , Mark ! I hope that Cora should not suffer too much, this evil is often tremendous! Every woman should always make preventive checks, if caught early is almost always curable!
vaggabondd
they look like a great couple, nice capture
psyoshida
Wonderful big smiles, makes me smile right back. I'm so sorry to hear about Cora. You are absolutely right!