Perhaps

Perhaps her purpose was fulfilled and she had inspired those people she had come to inspire. It's hard to accept that might be possible. So many more people needed to know her.

She helped my daughter learn to be a team player. She never said an unkind word about another person, no matter how upset she was. She effortlessly included new Girl Scouts in meetings when they visited. She always had a smile and a hug for me, even when I was in a bad mood and it would have been easier for her to stay away. Her dignity and positive attitude during her dauntless struggle with the cancer that eventually killed her had an inescapable impact on the people around her.

She's sorely missed.

The M. R. Kendall
copyright 1993 Pattalee Glass Koentop

One ship is missing from the fleet
And the flags all hang half-mast:
The Captain of a crew is gone
Into the misty ocean vast.

The decks still echo with the steps
And a smile still lights the bridge
Where the Captain watched the seagulls feed
Upon the waves' foam-crested ridge.

The crew of the M. R. Kendall
Carry on as duty calls:
Their Captain trained them to perform
Their best, no matter what befalls.

The Captain is not forgotten
Though salt-spray may hide the tears.
The rainbow through the mist brings back
The smile that guided through the years.