A Meaningful Life
L
ast Sunday on a beautiful sunny day in Simi Valley at Marsha Wachtell's funeral, her spirit and connections were evident as many of the over 500 people present commented on her positive outlook and how she never complained or focused on having an incurable disease.
She continued to live her life to the fullest, taking every opportunity to travel, see family and hold her grandchildren.
The struggle with ALS was different for Marsha with her cup runneth over personality; it was never a half empty cup or even a half full one; only a full one would do for Marsha. For example, "Laura Lyn Guerry is struggling to come to terms with her aggressive ALS. Her frustration is evident. It's the "quiet disease," the "nice person's disease." Not very much is known about it. Even the medical experts can't do very much."
The Wall Street Journal reported this summer that while ALS is known as Lou Gehrig's disease, it seems that now he may not have had amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Other journals also report how little we know about this incurable disease.
I know that while in the end, her body was devastated by ALS; it could not steal her spirit. See her obituary LA Times.
Donations in honor of her memory can be made to: ALS Association - Golden West Chapter, P.O. Box 565, Attention: Elizabeth Bloom, Agoura Hills, CA, 91376.
Being present with her and her family, in their home and at shiva and with so many friends and family leads me to think about what is a successful life? Marsha is remembered by her grace, her style, her courage, and her amazing ability to be a connector; and as an incredible wife, mother, grandmother, friend.
Not everyone can keep a positive attitude in afternoon traffic in Los Angeles, yet Marsha knew her amazing life would be cut short and still kept all her appointments, helped others and even managed to vote by absentee ballot the day before she died.
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