Last year on March 18th, my good friend Beverly passed away. It was shocking and disorienting as Beverly seemed unstoppable to me. Even though she’d been born with a serious physical disability, she didn’t let that slow her down. She used a motorized wheel chair and you really needed to stay out of her way if she was working on something lest you get run over.
I know she hated when people told her she was amazing because she accomplished so much in spite of her disability. But here is the thing – she genuinely was amazing. She worked full time as a director of case management services, and accomplished more than many non–disabled people. She was a tenacious advocate for those she worked with, and did not know the meaning of the word “no”. If she thought someone was getting an unfair deal she persistently and patiently worked to right the wrong. But she was kind to everyone, even those she disagreed with. She could organize a great party and her laugh was infectious.
Beverly taught me a lot about gratitude and finding joy in each moment. She was passionate about keeping a daily gratitude journal and she loved the idea of “paying it forward”. She practiced intentionally making the world a better place and in the practice, she created more joy on the planet and touched so many lives.
Paying it Forward for Beverly
In looking for ways to honor her memory, my friend David (Beverly’s closest friend and co-conspirator) has decided that March 18th will be “Pay it Forward Day for Beverly.” Whether you knew Beverly or not, I hope you’ll consider participating. Paying it forward is the idea of doing unexpected acts of kindness (large or small) for friends and strangers. It is an intentional act of connecting with another and creating joy and good feelings. Asking the person to pass on the act of kindness sets off a chain of good events. But whether you ask the person to pass it on, or make it an anonymous random act, it creates a feeling of connection. So join us in memory of Beverly by intentionally planting some seeds of joy and connection with others on the planet.
March 18, 2015 – “Pay it Forward for Bev” Day
We miss you Bev!
Joann, this is beautiful! I know Beverly is looking down on us and smiling! ❤️❤️
Thanks Alysa, I miss her!
What a fantastic way to honor her memory!
So touching . I only met Beverly one time but her smile and her energy is unforgettable. I am so glad that had met her . Alyss has always fill me with great stories and cherish memories of Beverly . You are missed by many people .
Still missing a very special person. She touched so many lives, and I am glad one of them was mine.
Thanks Joann
After trying to reconnect with Beverly after over 30 years. I was saddened to learn of her passing but overjoyed by what my sister had accomplished in her life and the life of so many others. This is a GREAT way to honor her and I will definitely implement it here in her hometown of Florence, SC….Thanks Joann & David
The grief of missing Beverly’s amazing physical presence is still sharp and difficult for so many of us. We will be participating with planting a “butterfly bush for Beverly” this year. Thank you for this remarkable idea to honor her and her beautiful spirit. Bev lives on in innumerable ways. Peace.