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Because their dear “God Mommy” Rhoda went on ahead of all of us today.

(Posted by Ron)

Today, April 16, 2009 our sweet friend Rhoda decided to stop struggling with the cancer she fought so bravely. She slipped into a coma this morning and this afternoon, shortly after her family played Garth Brook’s song Standing Outside The Fire for her she silently slipped away.  Music had always been important to her and those of us who loved her.  She is not the first of our family of friends that has been accompanied into death with songs they had sung so strongly in life.

Rhoda was especially important to me and Gayle. She was directly responsible for us meeting many who are now or have been  our closest friends.  David, Fred and Audrey (seen smooching Rhoda in the picture) to name a few.  And indirectly Andy, Zoey, and Davis.  There are so many more that I could name.   And sometime quite a few years ago Rhoda became our house sitter and Godmother to all of our many pets.  I believe that her spirit has already been greeted by Barney, Betty, Pebbles, Daisy and Mystic.  Freddie and Shorty are the ones who are sad today but they know at some spiritual level in their little dog bodies that she will be waiting for them.

I had the honor of speaking to Rhoda by phone on Thursday evening.  I was asked to say to her the Soaring visualization that I used so many times in our Discover workshops.  Because she was one of our strongest supporters and Training Assistants she heard it often and loved it.  Although I couldn’t see how she was affected I was told she put her hand over her heart.  I knew she was hearing me, though, even without that gesture.

I find it very hard to believe I will never hear that loving, gruff voice of hers again. In my heart, though, I hear her loud and clear and see her sitting in our living room, loving our dog boys which she called her babies.  Goodbye for now, Rhoda.  I love you.

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