Matushka Slavica
On December 16, 2019, we lost one of the dearest members of our church community, our own beloved Matushka Slavica Milosevich. She was the beating heart of our congregation and her passing leaves a gap that will never be filled. We loved her as she loved all of us in the flock. We remember her for her ineffable and boundless goodness. She was generous to a fault, cherishing and supporting everyone around her. She spread joy and laughter, welcoming others into her home and life. She bore the burden of her relentless cancer, hiding its effect on her from those around her. She was so noble! Our hearts and our sympathies go out to Father Liubo, Aleksander, and to her parents and family as they mourn this terrible loss. Царствие небесное! *******************************
Because I am a musician and teacher, I often look to YouTube for inspiration in such moments. Please permit me to share some YouTube posts with which I hope, taken together, may help with the grief: ********************************
This video addresses the rage one naturally feels when one so wonderful dies so achingly young. Here are the words of W.H. Auden from the movie, Three Weddings and a Funeral. May they provide some help to those still in shock…
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This next video is from “Lion Whisperer TV,” the YouTube brainchild of a wildlife expert running a sanctuary for large predators (especially lions) in South Africa. In this video, he shares with his viewers the recent sad news that one of his favorite lions, “Amy,” is now diagnosed with cancer. Astonishingly, Amy’s sister “Meg” has a demonstration of grief you might find cathartic, as I have. (You might want to advance the video to 11:42.)
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And lastly, who amongst us (of a certain age) does not not remember that 1989 season finale of Saturday Night Live when comedian Steve Martin—dissolving into tears—paid tribute to original cast member, Gilda Radner, who that very same day had died of cancer? The full video is not on YouTube, but the film of Steve Martin and Gilda Radnor performing a parody of “Dancing in the Dark” can be viewed. Be sure to read the many moving comments below the video, on YouTube. When you’re ready to laugh and smile again, as Matushka might have, enjoy this witty and touching tribute.
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https://youtu.be/9Dq2en6-Mm0
May you be comforted in your grief. In deepest Sympathy,
Bonnie Hoke-Scedrov
