Stories Collected While Living in France

French la Vie

A Request

Gift_to_the_heart_2

Her hands recall the pleasure,

of holding the day to day petals,

of life’s simple pleasures.

Setting the table,

preparing the meal,

wiping her brow.

Hand_to_hold

Her hand imagines the tenderness of her child’s skin,

the silk like velvet of youth.

She remembers burying her nose within the folds and smelling her perfume.

Regard

My childhood friend Shelley has A.L.S. A disease that robs her, day by day of her life. I have never heard her complain, never seen her shed a tear. She wears courage and grace, as if it were the most natural thing to put on. When your eyes meet hers, you forget that she is seriously ill. Shelley makes you feel like you are the center of the world, she crowns you with her sparkling eyes, and weaves you on adventures with her words.

Flowersathand

I have a favor to ask of you. Can you send an email to my friend Shelley? A note of cheer. She cannot respond A.L.S. has taken her movements away.

Can you send her your link, or a site you enjoy, or photo, a video clip, …Shelley loves interior design, decorating, celebrating, crafts, family, gardening, flea markets, vintage anything…She loves life.

shelley_etchepare@hotmail.com

Photo: A 19th century large engraving of Madonna and child, that I found at the flea market, in the bottom of a box. There is something in the stillness of this giving, the tenderness of the hands, holding but not clutching…reaching out softly…aware of life’s moments as they come, without racing on to the next.

Shelley has taught me this…to live each moment as if it is my last.

Comments

53 responses to “A Request”

  1. ana rose

    We take life for granted until it takes its leave of us.Life needs to be drunk, breathed, touched and grasped with both hands. Loss comes to us all it is how we face it that determines whether it is loss or not. Your friend seems to have decided to live, with each breath she takes and each new experience she embraces. when I find a suitable image I will write. She has a beautiful friend in you.My thoughts and prayers are with you both.

    Reply
  2. Jeanne

    Gorgeous photographs and touching posting.
    I sure will do that for your darling friend.
    Love Jeanne
    God bless us everyone!

    Reply
  3. leanneshouse

    I have left a message for Shelley. I know that there are thousands out in cyberspace to whom life has dealt a challenging hand. A blessing of cyberspace is that we are all united as one. I hope that Shelley knows that she is surrounded by hope and love by all the messages I know she will receive…..

    Reply
  4. Paris Parfait

    A touching tribute to your friend. So many people struggling with ALS; thankfully there are people living with it now who are also helping others, such as the courageous Tammy at Daily Warrior. And kickALS.org has a wealth of information. I will be delighted to email Shelley. I’m sure she appreciates your friendship and your kindness.

    Reply
  5. Shannon

    An email is on the way to your dear friend Shelley.

    Reply
  6. patpaulk

    Life is very fragile, and certainly at times unfair. You got it.

    Reply
  7. Kristen R

    I am off to send dear Shelley an e-mail before heading to the airport. This entry is so lovely Corey the artwork is incredible. May I use it in one of my pieces?
    XO
    Kristen

    Reply
  8. pinar

    aren’t we all vulnerable..
    we just don’t notice how much..until we are forced to see..
    will send her a nice link..
    but not mine.. not my blog..
    it is not nice anymore =)
    but anxious..
    now.. I am going to dig in the older posts..
    I need some cheer up too
    I am sure to find..

    Reply
  9. susan

    Your words about her are so loving and filled with gratitude. I sent a Banjo Bunny e-card her way! Thank you so much for sharing her gentle spirit with us this morning.

    Reply
  10. Britt-Arnhild

    It is always too easy to take life for granted. Your blog, which I have read for more than a year now, is teaching me to savour every day and moment.
    Thanks Corey.
    I will write your friend when I am back from Venice.

    Reply
  11. stephanie s

    corey, everyone deserves a friend like you, but not everyone has them. shelley is a lucky woman although, i would be willing to bet you are luckier and better for having her in your life. you make me want to be a better friend. thank you.
    Corey responds:
    I am luckier. Trust me Shelley is the wisest woman of all. She is a far better friend than I could ever be. I couldn’t even pierce her ears right when she asked me. http://willows95988.typepad.com/tongue_cheek/2006/09/sweet_sixteen_a.html

    Reply
  12. Star

    It would be my privilege to send an e-mail her way. I know the kindness you are extending to Shelley will be returned to you many times over.
    Thank you for sharing her example of courageous living with us. Lessons come in many forms.

    Reply
  13. Ulla

    She is so lucky to have you as her friend! Email has been sent and blessings bestowed… Hugs to both of you!

    Reply
  14. Marie-Noëlle

    It was my pleasure to send Shelley a message…
    I tried to make it special, soft and … French.
    Your post and the picture of Mary and child are … ??? … !!! … divine!

    Reply
  15. cruststation

    Your heart and words are a great testament to the friendship you hold. Thank you for reminding me to treasure those around me, and live life to the full. I hope Shelley enjoy being bombarded by emails, blessings and thoughts are going her way.

    Reply
  16. The French Nest

    When your friend Shelley counts her blessings, I’m sure you as a friend are one of them, Corey! I would be happy to send Shelley a few of my favourite sites!

    Reply
  17. CathyC

    Hi Corey, I’m at work right now, but I will email Shelley when I get home.
    Have a happy day!

    Reply
  18. Lynda

    It will be my pleasure to send an email to your friend! She sounds like a special person and I love her attitude. Is your dad feeling a bit better? ♥

    Reply
  19. Katie

    The nun that I was named after had ALS, and I always feel somehow connected to the disease, although that sounds weird. My thoughts go out to you and to Shelley.

    Reply
  20. Gypsy Purple-Chamara

    This is what make you so dear to all of us!!!!!
    I`ve sent the mail and will keep sending……to live each moment as it is your last….how very very true….and so totally where I am in my life right now

    Reply
  21. Regina Clare Jane

    I just sent an e-mail to Shelley- thank you so much, Corey for letting us be a part of her life as well.
    You are a dear friend…
    xoxo

    Reply
  22. ~vicki

    What a nice way to remember a dear friend! Consider it done…I’m on my way to spread a little cheer!! xox

    Reply
  23. lauren mumford

    I’m off to compose my email right now!
    🙂

    Reply
  24. AnnieElf

    Absolutely will bring the light of my little corner of the world to your dear from. Hugs, Annie

    Reply
  25. Lei

    what a sweet request… you’re a good friend.

    Reply
  26. Paul Martin

    I’ll definitely send Shelley a link. I’m in a similar situation – typing this keyboard is the only form of work I can do, I’m at almost the thirteen year mark of an extremely rare progressive illness. I have the same sort of memories. I literally dream about the most ordinary things…
    My current post, 4-12-07, is so relevant to all this, as well as probably the next one will be – I’d be really interested in your perpective given your knowledge of the kind of person Shelley is.
    But I think I’ll send Shelley the link to my April 1 post.

    Reply
  27. Maddy

    My pleasure.

    Reply
  28. susanna

    Will do…

    Reply
  29. shabbyinthecity

    Okay Corey! I sent her a note with some cute attachments. Good idea you had there! And please everyone do this for Corey and Shelley!!!

    Reply
  30. nel

    such a simple act of kindness you have asked for your friend Shelly. Will gladly respond…love and prayers, Nel

    Reply
  31. Mary

    My heart swelled and my eyes welled up with tears when I read this. Such a beautiful, sweet gesture. I’ve already sent a message to Shelley.

    Reply
  32. melly

    This quote is not mine, but belongs to my beloved child. “people who are born with birth defects or grave illness are angels with ingrown wings”.
    I think you too Corey are an angel, for helping this other angel on her flight. I send you both my love

    Reply
  33. colleen

    Lovely! All the way down. Words and photos. I sent Shelly a note.

    Reply
  34. Stephanie

    It would be such a pleasure to give you friend a bit of comfort.
    You are a dear friend….and my thoughts are with you both.

    Reply
  35. jessica

    oh how touching this is. how caring and wonderful of you. and the pictures…so apporpirate. will say hello to shelley.

    Reply
  36. tommiea

    said hello to shelley—-I do hope she peeks into our chaotic little life of a wife of a deployed soldier with two little toddlers

    Reply
  37. ~jolene marie

    Consider it done and sent with love.

    Reply
  38. pam

    Oh Corey, to have one friend as true as you are I think someone could endure so much just knowing that you are there. I’ll be happy to send some cheer Shelley’s way.

    Reply
  39. Di Overton

    Consider it done I have sent Shelley a picture of a local waterfall I hope she enjoys it as much as I do.

    Reply
  40. ParisBreakfasts

    You touch our hearts daily Corey.
    We are all lucky to have you as a friend.
    I am happy to send your friend Shelly a cheering email.

    Reply
  41. meredith

    It will be done!

    Reply
  42. Darlene

    Having lupus robs me of precious life time, so I can relate to your friend. I try not to complain, but I need a good ole pity party now and then.
    what a beautiful tribute
    xOx Darlene

    Reply
  43. Mrs.Staggs

    Corey,
    Your love for your friend shines through your words. It would be my pleasure to be touch in with Shelley. Perhaps I’ll wait just a bit. I imagine her mailbox will be full for the next few days!

    Reply
  44. jackie

    I send her pictures of my brand new grandbaby! Jackie

    Reply
  45. herhimnbryn

    Done. I hope she will enjoy a picture of Dog on the sofa.

    Reply
  46. Colette

    Bien sûr. I am just catching up, and I will do that right away. Friends should hold hands one way or another. Love to you.

    Reply
  47. simple me

    We have so much to learn from lives like this.
    I’m searching for something beautiful to send.

    Reply
  48. Deb Lewis

    Said and done, dear Corey.

    Reply
  49. Mlle Smith

    This was so touching. I’m sending pictures of our dog Achaz, myself, dear friends, and a few beautiful Japanese woodblock-inspired art pieces.

    Reply
  50. Hanne

    Sometimes you make me laugh. Sometimes you make me cry. Sometimes you simply make me wonder why.
    Why…
    One thing only – you never leave me untouched…
    Bless you!

    Reply
  51. maddie

    I will pray for a miracle for
    Shelley. The world is filled
    with them and there is one
    waiting for her.
    hugs:)

    Reply
  52. LeOgAhEr

    I Love you girls
    Buy

    Reply
  53. Leslie Sheremeta

    My heart weeps for your dear friend Shelley. I lost my beloved grandfather to this disease, and we just lost his daughter (my aunt) last week to the same. I try not to live in fear that the same will happen to my daughter and me. I am truly humbled by your friend’s courage and grace. She is truly an Angel. God Bless.

    Reply

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