Good-bye to Nora–the death of a child

This week I mark the death of a child I know. Nora died yesterday after being diagnosed with cancer almost a year ago. She just turned 17. I knew her mostly when she was in pre-school. She wasn’t in my class, but I knew her. And I watched her grow up, more from a distance, as she went through grade school. I remember best her mischevious smile and her big, loud tears and the bandana she liked to wear back then.

Poetry Friday

Heidi Mordhorst at My Juicy Little Universe hosts Poetry Friday this week. She writes about the Global Climate strike which will happen on September 20 and also about a poetic form she invented–the definito. It’s an 8-12 line poem that defines a less common word and is aimed at 8-12 year old. I will give it a try sometime. But thoughts of Nora and her family fill my mind and heart right now.

A poem about death

When I was in 5th or 6th grade, our teacher had us memorize this poem–

To an Athlete Dying Young

by AE Housman

Saying good-bye to Nora

Part of me can’t believe that she’s gone. It seems so unfair. But I believe that things happen for a reason–and that often (usually!) that reason lies beyond my understanding. I am grateful that I knew Nora. She brought much light and love into the world. And I feel sad about her illness and death–and I grieve for her family and friends. I can’t imagine what they are going through dealing with the long illness and death of this beloved child.

One thing a friend told me was that in her last days, she asked for kindergarten soup. We used to make vegetable soup every week in our EC classes with the children and serve it for snack. I always felt that the soup we made with the children was extra tasty. And it reminded me that we can plant seeds of love and kindness and we never know which ones will take root–or when that will happen. (For more thoughts on kindness, here’s my post on Kindness from Soul Blossoming A to Z

So in honor of Nora, here’s a little haiku:

Kindergarten soup

nourishes body and soul

with vegetables and love.

Kindergarten soup–the recipe

In case you need some vegetables and love, here is my version of the recipe. It was included in a little recipe book that we put together as a Mother’s Day gift for the parents in our class as a gift one year long ago–when Nora was a little girl.

Blessing

For the golden corn and the apples on the trees,

For the golden butter and the honey from the bees.

Fruits and nuts and berries we gather on our way;

We praise our loving Mother Earth

And thank her every day.  Hey!

Sustainable Soup

 This soup is made with whatever vegetables are seasonal, local and preferably organic.

Starter Vegetables                   Suggested Vegetables

Onion                                    Green vegetables (such as broccoli)

Minced garlic                                   Leafy greens (such as kale, spinach)

Diced potatoes and carrots

Squash or pumpkin

Optional: a handful or 2 of red lentils, noodles

Melt butter and/or olive oil in a large pot and add onions and garlic, cook until somewhat translucent.

Add the rest of the veggies (and lentils, if using) with enough water to cover them plus a couple more inches, salt to taste, and simmer until all the vegetables are soft (about half an hour).  If you want noodles, add them about 20 minutes before serving.  The more the children help you, the better it will taste!

Blessings on dear Nora and on her family and friends.

And blessings to all of you, dear ones.

Thanks for stopping by.

xoxo