With a heavy heart and still much disbelief, I am letting you know that my co-author, Richard Israel has died. He has been battling colon cancer for 2 years and chose a quality of life provided by hospice for his last two months.
About 2 weeks before he died I was able to spend a wonderful day with him and his family, he was in fine spirits, telling stories as he always did. We were also able to have one of those very meaningful conversations to share, to ask, to say and to wrap up all those things you want / need / wish to. He said it was a gift to know an approximate ‘end’ date as it allowed him to complete his business here. Richard taught me so very much and was such an inspiration and unwavering support over 34 years.
Our ‘baby’ is born!
In typical form he was writing a book during his last days, it was with Mind Chi Mentor, Donna Kim-Brand, the topic is using your natural energies and what he learned from dealing with his cancer. I will inform you when it is available.
What are the lessons that I learned from Richard that I hold most dear?
1. Tell stories – make them big, expressive and funny.
2. Make sure you play every day.
3. Make time to listen and support the ones you love.
4. Even seemingly ‘crazy’ ideas can make sense if you wait a while!
5. Be sure to drink your tea in a ‘tinkling tea cup’.
6. Find synonyms for the word ‘give’.
7. Be authentic and abundant and the most recent lesson
8. Say those important things you want to say while they are alive.
Thank you, my very dear friend, you will live long in happy memories.
