They are lyrics to a song with a familiar tune that we all know the words to. No one really wants to sing along but they do out of love and respect. The song is  short and sweet. It often goes  by another name and there are usually tears at the end.

The Swan Song.

People usually deliver their good-byes when they have come to their end or when their time is up for whatever purpose. 

I find myself thinking about this today. I recently lost a close friend and have been out of sorts lately trying to get along with the knowledge that I won't see her again.  She did not leave a formal Swan Song for us - she was here and then she wasn't. She had been sick for a while and her illness took a sudden and unexpected turn. She is no longer with us and while that fact just refuses to meld into my mind, I know that I have to contend with my feelings on this matter.

I wonder what she would have said if she'd known she was going to leave us. I wonder if she could have lived her life any better than she did or if there were still more for her to do. Things I will never know the answer to. I just know that I miss her. Her infectious laughter, her zeal for life and the way she seemed to take the sting out of bad news and the way she always gave me information....she was always enthusiastic to share with me something that she's learned so that we could compare information.

My loving friend will be missed.

But the topic of a Swan Song also brings up mixed feelings within me.  It will be a year in August since I started Schizo as a memoir. A year since I set off on this journey to self - discovery, healing and sharing of my story. A year of growing, knowledge and wealth (spiritually speaking). 

I don't know what else I can share with you, I don't know what else I can say that will impress upon you the importance of taking care of yourselves from head to toe. I don't know what else to show you in such a clear fashion that these are serious matters and need your full attention. I just don't know.

I have given you my all and have been proud to do so. I have given you my life, naked as it is and you have clothed me in your love, your strength and your care ....and for that I say thank you.

I want to know now - is there something you needed hear or see that you didn't? Is there some information that I can pass along to you that you didn't receive? Can I help you in any other way?

Do you want to discuss or ask questions about any of the things that you've read here - openly? I invite you to share in your thoughts, comments, statements, questions or criticisms. Please - I would love to have an open dialogue going on the things you have read here. And if possible - may I include the things you've added to the last few posts to Schizo with credit to you or possibly a dedication?

I know - it's a lot to ask and I know some of you probably want to remain anonymous and that's fine too. But this is where I ask you to be involved. Is there something that you would like to see done on this topic ...something you'd like to see accomplished?

Let me know.  

Now, this isn't the last post to Schizo. There will be a few more but I am preparing you for its end. I would love to go out with a bang. Fireworks and all!

Shall we leave a legacy for those who will come and read? Helpful tips? Advice on life? Skills to cope? Anything of that nature - if you have it share it!

Absolutely loving you all from the bottom of my heart! It has been a pleasure as always and thanks for reading.