empowerandbalance's posterous

     I first met Corrine in 1984 when I was living in a small Colorado town in a very dishonoring and abusive situation. I had dropped into deep despair, and felt emotionally suicidal.  I was led to Corrine for therapy and give thanks every day for that connection.  Not only did she save my life at the time, and get me through that horrible time, but she also assisted me in restoring my dignity and put me solidly on a journey to re-own my self-worth and value.
     We became deep friends and kept in touch over the years.  She knew my son, too, so she remained a valuable witness to my life, my growth, my struggles and joys, as a Mother then, and a Mother now with an estranged son.  She continually reminded me that I had been and still remained a loving daughter, Mother and woman, when criticisms ran high and I had the option of drowning in other's judgments of me.
     These last several years, we talked frequently as I committed to calling her regularly.  She always took time every call to applaud my growth, remind me that of all her clients I had gone deeper in my introspection and further in healing than all of them, and did it mostly on my own.  She remained a constant friend and cheerleader even to the end.
     And....she valued my calls and friendship as well. In spite of having three sons, and a sister, I seemed to be the only one that sent her Mother's day cards, birthday cards, have a great day cards.  It saddened me that she didn't receive more love and attention, especially toward the end as she valiantly stayed alive in spite of intense pain and the many ailments she had suffered over the years. She was determined to stay alive to care for her husband through his debilitating illness.  I am so grateful her pain is over and trust that her husband will be cared for in some way by his children.
     Corrine was a model of flexibility, compassion, devotion, fierce love, humor and determination.  I will always carry her in my heart and remain in gratitude for all we shared.  May she now rest in peace, comfort and joy.