Remembering our Sangha friend, Lucinda Lawrence

Lucinda Lawrence died about a week ago on the morning of the 30th.  Her son Corbin and a dear friend and “daughter” Sparrow were with her at her home.  She died in her own bed as she had so much hoped she would.

Her final illness was blessedly brief.  She received a cancer diagnosis in October after a long investigation of ailments with uncertain diagnoses.  The cancer was extensive and fast growing and she decided pretty quickly to forgo serious interventions, opt for palliative care and let the disease take its course.  Her son Corbin came to town to keep her company and care for her, and was at her side almost all of the last weeks.  She also had a great company of friends and spiritual companions to care for her and make it possible to stay in her beloved apartment.  She managed impressively to do it her way.

Lucinda was largely lucid until the end and Corbin reported amazing times saturated with spiritual energy. He said everyone who attended her felt it and many reported amazement.  My sense was that she had died free of regrets or unfinished business, and her passing was remarkably easy.

I know of no plans for memorials as yet but would love to celebrate her life with folks at some point.  She was certainly an inspiration to many of us.  She never stopped looking, working her koan until the last week, and always curious.  We had great conversations!

She loved the times she shared with the Colorado Springs Sangha, with Joan and David, Sarah, Andrew and all.  She shared a lot of fond memories the last few months.