Got the news yesterday that one of my work colleagues with whom I was quite friendly, after having suffered a second stroke about a month back, was being admitted to ICU. This morning our headmaster sent a message saying that her family had decided to switch off the life support machines, and then a while later we got the news that she had died at midday with her family around her.
I just cannot believe it. Lizette was the most incredibly vibrant person who just said what was on her mind and never tried or meant to hurt a soul. She was around my age. She and her hubby were such a support for one another and seemed to share such a special relationship. She seemed the stronger of the two of them - but I may have read the dynamics incorrectly. I am not sure how Johan will cope without her - but I guess he will. She was also a devoted mother to two daughters. The one I think matriculated last year, and the other is currently in Grade 11. How those two girls must be feeling now I just cannot even conceive!
As one of the mums I sent the news to made the comment, that it truly makes one realise that we need to be appreciative of every moment we have in this life. So many petty things hold us back from being able to truly "suck the marrow" from life - but the one think I know for sure, Lizette truly lived each and every moment with passion. That was why things sometimes got to her - because she would never do something half-heartedly. If something was going to be done, she had to do it with all her heart and soul - and she truly did.
She was vibrant - both in personality and life. She bubbled at all times when you spoke to her - whether she was angry, frustrated, upset, happy or whatever - she was full of effervescence. She dressed in the most colourful manner as well, never being shy of wearing some of the brightest colours, and at times, most unusual mixes in terms of her clothes. She had a head of red hair - and I guess that ought to have been what made one understand that this was someone who wore her heart on her sleeve and while she would never say something to offend another - she sometimes did - and then was mortified.
I am so amazed by the manner in which this has affected me. Lizette and I were never bosom buddies, but we served on the Exec at school together, we sometimes shared each other's frustrations, happinesses, or whatever, and now it is all over as such.
She painted as well, and she offered on more than one occasion to have me visit and paint with her and the little "groepie" that she had gather at her home every so often. She was so willing to share information and willingly shared her discoveries/techniques or whatever.
She was Afrikaans, but taught herself Zulu and then became one of the school's Zulu teachers. She was currently the Junior Grade Director - caring for the Grade 7s coming into the school, looking after the Grade 8s and then until they were half way through grade 9. She dealt with all the parents with her primary concern being the well-being of the boys under her care. This often caused her great sadness as parents sometimes attacked her and got angry with her for a decision or decisions that she made. They never realised that at the core of it all was the fact that she always wanted what was best for their son.
Lizette, although we never shared more than school times together, my friend, you will be missed. I know you fought a tough battle this last month, being both frustrated and irked by the fact that the doctors did not seem to know what to do with you - but you fought a fight as you always had - with dignity and the love of so many people around you. May you rest in peace now. You had a strong faith and I know that you will be cared for on the spiritual level.
All my love!!!
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