Contributing: a person, a verb

In the midst of worry, deaths, and vaccines in this year of the pandemic, we have found buoyancy in community story-sharing. Welcoming people to show up as they are — with whatever they are holding, experiencing and questioning has become a weekly ritual. Sharing our lives with one another cross pollinates possibility to navigate both grief and gratitude. We wish to share one story-seed with you - to remind you that while you may never know the impact of your showing up in small, big, and authentic ways - you contribute to the whole.

IMG_0597.JPG

Cancelling in-person gatherings was a loss for many, and opened doors for others. One member of WholeHeart’s Wellness Community, Miriam Tammy Strauss, was one of the people who appreciated being able to join in from home. She suffered from chronic pain and couldn’t sit for long. Joining the Wellness Calls was a part of Miriam’s wellness plan.

These calls are open to everyone and don’t require a program fee. In trying to figure out how to cover the costs, Miriam became one of our monthly donors. $5/month was what she could afford as she had had to stop working to manage her pain. When I called Miriam to thank her for her donation, she responded, “ I am not a donor, I am a contributor. I want to contribute and stand with you. I wish I could contribute $500, but I can’t right now. Someday I will.”

I knew some of Miriam’s story. She had been a talented ballroom dancer, a compassionate therapist, a spiritual seeker, a creative wise soul, and an eternal humorist.  She embodied showing up fully, listening for truth, and contributing as she could. Sometimes on the Wellness Calls, Miriam didn’t follow protocol. She spoke what was on her mind when she needed to. It wasn’t always easy as a facilitator, but she taught us to let go of the agenda and be present with one another.

One day last fall, a note arrived in the mail from Miriam. In it was a check for $500 and a note that said: “This came in the mail to me from some friends to cover food. $500! I knew right away it was for WholeHeart. Thank you for the nourishing work you do.”

Commitment to showing up comes in many forms, and Miriam taught me it was important to do what you can, even when you wish it could be more. She also reminded me to listen deeply to clues when they arrive, even when they don’t make sense. Rational thinking might be to hold onto gifts. Instead, Miriam was drawn to share gifts by listening into what she really needed and what she wanted to stand with.

We shared with the Wellness community that Miriam passed away from cancer earlier this month at Respite House in Vermont. On her bed tray was a WholeHeart Valentine of Gratitude from the Wellness Circle. For many months, Miriam wasn’t strong enough to join the calls, but her presence continues to contribute to how we do business and community welcoming. May a seed of wonder be planted in your heart: how are you showing up fully and authentically in your life?

Music was a love of Miriam’s. During radiation, she brought Sara Thomsen's Song Like a Seed CD that she had gotten to know through WholeHeart to the hospital. It sang her through her treatments and when her radiation was done, she sang to the caregivers one of the songs: Let me Sing To You