The Toughest Innings

Ooo! Aah! Glenn McGrath! Yes that's how popular, talented and great the world-renowned Aussie cricketer Glenn McGrath is. But he faced his toughest Innings in life on Sunday when his 42yr old wife Jane McGrath passed away after an 11yr battle with Cancer, leaving behind their 2 young children James and Holly. Now, while Death happens to every man/woman on Earth and in every family, what was special about Jane was that she was a very public person, and truly brave and an extremely positive spirit. Being diagnosed with Breast Cancer at just 31yrs of age, she didn't let it affect her Life and Living. She always came on TV and in the papers with encouraging words and great wisdom to other Cancer sufferers and also used her high profile to help other Cancer-stricken women - The McGrath Foundation. In short, she DID something about it FOR others in the small timeframe that she was GIVEN on this Earth. I find Jane to be an amazing and courageous ambassador for true Humanity. And it's rare that we find souls like her. I have been watching her brave Battle closely over the years through her ups and downs, and right throughout it all, what I saw was a true Survivor....not a survivor of a disease but a survivor in LIFE. She showed people what it is to have Death staring her in the face yet take it in good spirits, smile through the many tears and just get on with it. She did her best to LIVE...at the same time, she did make plans for her own funeral too (as she was recently told by her doctors that she had only few months to live). Now how very brave is that? To choose her own coffin, the flower arrangements, the farewell songs etc etc. She had everything in life...her superstar and loving husband, 2 beautiful kids, a great home and so much of love around her. And most of all she had the greatest attitude towards life and the miseries thrown by it at her. Cos of that I say she didn't LOSE her life, rather she WON in life. Forever shall we remember her true valour!

And I was thinking. We always seem to believe that it's our education, skills, achievements, assets, careers etc that take us places. Not for me. I believe it's people, even total strangers like Jane, who takes us places in life. It's the courage in their actions, the bravery in their battles, the positivity in their attitude, the brilliance in their deeds, the beauty in their hearts, the story of their lives, the Life in their Deaths...that's what takes me places in life. It's them that take my soul to a higher level...to a place that where nothing can shake my soul. The Life in the Death of someone so bright, secured my soul.

My b'day post was written with Jane McGrath in mind. Hence the 'one day at a time' theme. And it was also her funeral yesterday (on my b'day) and the Memorial took place very close to where I work in the City - in Sydney's historic Garrison Church where the couple got married in 1999. It was an emotional public Farewell, and to see a husband and 2 young kids bidding adieu to their loving Wife and Mother, was too painful for a soul like me. But I guess, the fact that Jane lived one day at a time inspiring so many people in Australia and around the world, makes me feel content for her and her family. Cos Jane was one in a zillion who realised what it is to LIVE before she DIED.

Today's song is a special dedication to Jane's undying spirit. I remember watching one of Jane and Glenn's recent TV Interviews (her last one), and Jane was asked what do you want in life, she replied 'I wanna grow old with Glenn and see my children all grown up and see their life'. Ok now I'm crying! Sweet Jane you didn't know me but I know you so well...your great spirit and bold battle inspired many people like me in the short time you were here. We will never forget the Angel that you are...all your work is done now, and all your pain is gone away...your kids will do well being blessed by you...now fly with the angels darl MWAH!


Current Music: Angels by Robbie Williams