My Reaction to Life

So I lost someone very important to me today.  When I was at Regis College, the Dean of Students was like another mother.  Whenever I had a problem, or a question, or a comment, or just wanted to talk, or just wanted to complain, or just wanted a hug, I could go to her and she would be there.

This woman was Lynn Tripp Coleman.

She passed away today.  She gave in to a 6 year long battle to breast cancer.  I don't really know how to wrap my head around this news.  Unfortunately, I didn't talk to her much once I graduated in 2002.  I saw her at my 5 year reunion and we talked for a while but I didn't talk to her again after that.  She changed my life....and I miss her.

So, what does all of this have to do with my surgery journey?  Well for the first time since I had the surgery I just wanted to curl up in a ball with a pint of ice cream and a large alcoholic beverage.  What an automatic response huh?

Food has always been a comforter, a friend and a family member.  Someone to commiserate with, laugh with, cry with, be pissed off with...yeah, all that was with food.  How do I break that habit?  How do I stop thinking that I need a drink or some ice cream instead of going for a walk when I'm freaking out?  How do I stop that?

I think I still have some deep seeded issues to work out.  Time to call a therapist?  I think so.

In the end, what matters is that I was blessed to have such an amazing person in my life, even if only for a short period of time.  She is someone who will not only be missed but will leave a legacy of young women who are not afraid to ask for help, take charge of their lives, and are never afraid to love or to cry.  Lynn, I'm going to miss you, but I am grateful that my life was touched by you.  Rest in Peace and enjoy whatever is beyond.  Until I see you again....


Photo is from RegisCollege.net Student Affairs page.