A great shock came this morning...S. Yvonne Barrington, OSB passed away. Just a couple of days ago she was diagnosed with lung cancer and this morning it claimed her body...but I'm convinced it didn't leave a scar on her soul.

S. Yvonne was a good soul with an overwhelmingly big heart. She and I had a fun friendship. The first time I met S. Yvonne she was having a bad day...and I became the brunt of her frustrations. From that day on, I vowed to make her smile...to make her like me and little did I know how easy that task would really be. In no time at all we became fast friends. She would randomly call my dorm to see how I was doing, send funny jokes via e-mail, and NEVER EVER pass me without a hug and a smile. She was STRONG woman, who struggled everday with the challenges of living with MS...but she persevered. When she finally got a walker...she was so excited to show of it's sharp turning radius and handy dandy seat to sit on when she was tired...she and I took it for a spin and laughed.

She was open...honest...and she loved. There was no doubt that sometimes her 'tough' exterior was met with a soft inside who loved unconditionally and would step up to the plate for you whenever it was needed. When I got word yesterday that she was not well, I almost jumped in the car to come down...but I convinced myself waiting until Sunday would be okay...but, obviously, it wasn't. I regret it...deeply regret not getting in that car and saying 'goodbye' as I know she would have for me if the roles were reversed. Now, I can only hope that the thin veil between Heaven and Earth allows for conversation. I hope she knows how much she touched my life and how much I will miss her smiles in the monastery halls as she comes towards me with her sporty walker to give me a hug and encouragement to 'listen with the ear of my heart,' always.
She will be missed...but Heaven's a happier place because she's there.