See you later, sweet lorina

It was time again for a mic check at my monthly Open Session in Sedona, AZ. I turned on my microphone and started singing, "Looo-rinaaaa! I just met a girl named Looo-rinaaaa! And suddenly that name, will never be the same to me!" to the tune of Mariafrom the movie West Side Story. And, as she did every month, Lorina rewarded me with a broad grin and her beautiful belly laugh. She had gorgeous white hair, with her signature purple mousse woven through her bangs.

This feisty New Yorker became one of my dearest friends nearly two decades ago. She was of great service to me and Dr. Peebles at nearly every session, class and event that I have held since 2003. I always felt shaky after the sessions, and she would offer me her hand and help me down from the stage. She was my confident, and someone I would turn to for advice when I needed absolute truth. She checked in on my teenage daughters when I had to travel to California on short notice, and even helped them paint their bedrooms while I was gone. She was strong and selfless, and loved to be of service, until she couldn't be anymore, and had to allow for others to be of service to her. And, when she couldn't do the things she did before, she didn't complain. At least, she never complained to me.

I visited Lor several times before she passed. We'd chat for a couple of hours each time, and it seemed like five minutes. I was in awe of her. She was unable to get out of her chair because she was so weak, and yet her spirit was so incredibly strong. I was struck by the fact that when I sat with her, it felt like I was with someone who was already home with God. She was never self-absorbed, and never blamed anyone, or cried, "Why me?" Instead she'd shrug and say, "I'm ready to go, but I'm still here. I guess there's a reason." And, she'd laugh at my jokes, drop a few "f" bombs (just like I do) and apologize with a sly grin, and was real and honest about her final moments on earth. I made her promise to "haunt" me from the other side. She laughed and said, "Oh course I will! You can count on it!"

Lorina was as pure as any person I have ever met on earth. There were no shades of gray. She wasn't afraid of death, and was at total peace with life at the end. After she passed she showed herself to me, "Look at me! I'm robust!" she said, smiling that broad smile, and laughing that beautiful laugh. I saw her standing at a doorway where she was meeting with Dr. Peebles and others, but it seems she just stopped by to check into the Heavenly Hotel before returning to doing what was most important to her: "I want to stay close to everyone for awhile, to make sure everyone is okay with my passing," she said to me, "I'll have plenty of time for a meet and greet in heaven after my memorial."

That's Lorina. Always thinking of others. Always of service. My friend, my hero, and now, my guiding friend in spirit.

I love you, Lorina. Until we meet again.

"Loooo-rinaaa! Say it loud, and there's music playing.
Say it soft, and it's almost like praying...
Loooo-rinaaaa!"