Several days have passed since I learned of Isa’s death, and any number of times I’ve sat down to write this. And any number of times I’ve done something else instead, wanting to say the perfect thing and not being sure the words would come. Isa always knew just how to comfort me when I lost a beloved friend. I wish she were here to help me now.
Maybe she is hovering nearby, and if so, may she give me inspiration. For now, I’ll start at the beginning of my time with her. Isa was a lovely neighbor over for lunch when dogs killed our rabbit, Jake. She sat with me, and Jake’s furry little body. Her words, forgotten now, were comforting but minimal. Mostly we just sat and honored Jake. He was the first in a long string of animal friends that Isa helped me grieve.
Fortunately, we shared many wonderful living animal experiences too. One day, Isa called and said, “Laura, are you and Steve still interested in having a horse?” I said, “No, I don’t think so … that was just a pipe dream … we don’t even have a corral … but I’d like to meet your friend’s horse.” Enter Sadat into our lives. Sixteen hands of gorgeous, willful Appaloosa. It was hard (he taught me much, including what it feels like to be kicked in the gut by a horse, about patience and overcoming fear.) It was love (I wasn’t sure how I could go on the day Sadat left me.) Thank you so much, Isa, for bringing me Sadat, and opening the gates for all the horses that followed him into my life.
Isa inspired me. To rescue and care for animals (all those bags of food for Missi in her starving time, and days spent watching llama bottoms for babies to come out.) To communicate with them on their terms (not something I’ve mastered, by the way, but Isa could.) To live what you believe. (How many of you received countless emails from Isa in her efforts to improve the world?) These are the parts of Isa I knew best.
There was a lot more to know… Isa the nun. Isa the teacher. Isa the counselor. Isa the Peace Core worker. Isa the tireless volunteer. If you read this, and you were also fortunate enough to call Isa a friend, I invite you to click on “comments” below, and share your Isa memories and stories too.
Isa, in your own treasured words after I lost Tyler,
“go shining, sweet being. we’ll meet again.” “we will never understand the webs we spin and are spun into, and as much as it hurts when the visible presence leaves, how could we have it otherwise.”
Much love,
Laura
ps. Follow this link to read an incredible poem written by Isa’s friend, Tereza, in her honor. It captures the essence of Isa so beautifully.
