I tell you a bit more. I was first alerted that she was sick over the summer and I think I told myself, there was no chance that cancer could take her. She was lively. She was beautiful. She was strong. And she just wasn't done living yet. I tricked myself. I continued to receive the occasional updates from my mom who was in touch with my uncle Things were getting worse. Everyone was preparing for the worse. I found myself stopping in the middle of the day to pray for her. At Thanksgiving, before my family sat down to eat I asked my aunt to say a short prayer specifically for her.
A couple of days later I left for vacation in South America, where I am currently. Since I have no phone down here, I was told that Mrs. Joan Marsh, this incredible woman, had passed away via a facebook message from my brother. I will likely not make it back to Jamaica for the funeral, but I wanted, no NEEDED to take a moment to acknowledge her life and impact.
Mrs. Marsh was a woman who you only had to meet one time to remember for the rest of your life. When I first met her, I was staying in Jamaica as a preteen, visiting my uncle and his eventual wife, Tanya. It was my first trip to Jamaica on my own for a whole summer. Her family took me in, as if, just by virtue of being related to someone in their lives, I was now forever a part of theirs. The Marsh's have a way of absorbing a person. No hesitation, just humor, welcome and love. And I always thought a large part of that was because of Mrs. Marsh. She always felt like the light in every room she walked into.
And my G-d, how her family adored her. Not just loved her in the way that we all do with family, but they were, each one, from her eldest son to her littlest grandbaby, in love with her. As soon as she walked into a room, every member flocked to her. When I had the honor to be a part of their family gatherings, it always seemed like once she had arrived, the whole essence of the get-together would shift and become full of as yet untapped joy. It felt like upon her arrival, finally, all the really good things could start to happen. It was remarkable to watch and it was remarkable to be a part of.
I admired her. I still do. Her presence was like a cashmere scarf, equal parts warm, cozy and exquisite. She touched people in a way that made them better. And she had the unique ability to make you feel special, not only for that moment when you were in her presence, but also for all the recollections afterwards. I'll miss her and my heart is broken for her children and grandchildren.
I knew only a small portion of Mrs. Marsh life story. I only saw her maybe once a year or every other year. But she left an indelible mark on my person and she was family. I pray for her as I know she did for many while on this earth.
I am thankful that I see her mark and that same ability to be effortlessly welcoming on my aunt, and her son, my cousin. And I know that when we all eventually move on from this place to the next, she will be there, greeting and welcoming us all with a special twinkle in her eye and a smile meant just for us. Rest in Peace Mrs. Marsh.
“If I die, I will wait for you, do you understand? No matter how long. I will watch from beyond to make sure you live every year you have to its fullest, and then we’ll have so much to talk about when I see you again…" (Bones)
