A friend of mine died this year. She was 50, looked 30. Her memorial service was lavish. The alter was obscured with 20 massive wreaths.
One of the speakers, using English that was clearly a second language for her, described my friend as having "Little Heart".
To my Western ears "Little Heart" sounded like a diss, but the speaker went on to define what she meant by the literal translation of a Chinese idiom. She used the term "Little Heart" to describe Nancy's most profound characteristic; the magical ability to use grace to transform small everyday work into something meaningful and beautiful for everyone around her.
So perhaps in our days and our work you and I can practice the art of "Little Heart" in the Chinese way and in memory of Nancy. Sending you love and light whoever you are, wherever you are on your path.
5 comments:
Beautiful post and a wonderful tribute to your friend. I think everyone should want to be remembered as having "little hearts," and unfortunately only a few realize what an honor that would be. xo
Beautiful post and tribute to your friend. I think all of us should aspire to being remembered for having "little hearts." xo
Thank you for recording this memory of Nancy. I still think of her often...and every time I get my haircut by Dennis Balustrini -- who is more of a big-hearted Italian!
This is such a beautiful post and I only wish I had met Nancy. We should all aspire to be remembered as fondly. I know that I will remember the term, and now the lady, whom I never even met...
This is such a beautiful post and I only wish I had met Nancy. We should all aspire to be remembered as fondly. I know that I will remember the term, and now the lady, whom I never even met...
--Samantha
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