In my early childhood, I can remember each night while I laid in bed telling myself made-up stories. For some reason, I would start with “and then” as a method to keep from ending one story and beginning another. This thought process led me to my personal mantra, the past is merely part of where we are going. In celebration of Mary Boleyn’s continued legacy, I hope to embed this song into your head as a reminder of her love for the world, and especially her special daughter, Clara.
Mary wrote and sent me her obituary three weeks before she arrived to allow, and honor me, to share and protect her, in her transition from this life.
OBITUARY AS WRITTEN BY MARY BOLEYN (first paragraph – only those immediately present edited by James Wm Frank)
It is with great joy that we announce that Mary passed away peacefully on July 24, 2017, at 11:15 pm, surrounded by her DAD and friends, Dr. Pankaj Chand and Mary Mount. She was surrounded in spirit by her many friends.
We wish that so much of her life had not been lost to her illness, that things could have been different for her, and for us. While we know that she is at peace and that her struggles are at an end, there is still pain and sadness. But even though she is gone, she has left the legacy of her love and perseverance.
Mary is survived by her beautiful daughter Clara. Clara, and her role as a mother were the most important things to Mary. This is where she drew her strength and left her legacy. Being with Clara was what Mary enjoyed most of all. Her life had many obstacles, and she struggled for over 30 years with cystic fibrosis. Yet through it all, her love and caring for Clara remained her focus, and in so many, many ways, she was able to show that love to us.
This courage and perseverance through adversity is a powerful lesson for us, and I believe it is her legacy. How many people in this world have it so much easier than Mary did? How many never have to face half the troubles she faced, and yet lose sight so easily of what is truly important? What a wonderful reminder she gave us.
Keep your priorities straight. Keep that which is most important in focus. Love and care for your family. Let them know in all the ways you can that you love them.
Help keep Mary’s memory alive by staying focused on what is truly important, not only when your life is easy, but when it is difficult too.
Celebration
Mary’s wishes:
Everyone wear something pink. Fuzzy Peaches is the drink of the day. All are asked to post to her website, stories, and anecdotes of her life. She wants a large number of comments, likes, loves and shares to extend her legacy far into the future for Clara’s sake and to make the world a better place in which to live.
Much more on this topic over the next few days. Stay tuned