I just found out that a friend and classmate just died. She had been sick for a long time, in and out of the hospital for more major surgeries than one could imagine that a body could handle in a few short years. She suffered a lot, bravely.
Abby was a great soul. She did some amazing work in this world, mostly chaplaincy and pastoral work–usually with very ill children or late-stage AIDS patients–as well as gifted teaching of kids with really special needs. A lot of my classmates are learned teachers of Torah. Abby? She radiated Divine love. She brought a lot of healing and transformation to people who needed it most, and then–as now–served as an inspiration, a model, and a constant reminder for me of what the rabbinate is all about.
I think she changed more lives in the short time she was here than I probably will if I reach the length of my days.
Blessed is the True Judge, though dammit, this stinks.
Abby Spivack, the world is a dimmer place without you.
I’ve been looking for Abby’s obituary, but have been unable to find it on-line (we live in Maine). Is there a link, or would you be willing to mail me a photocopy?
Hamaqom yenakhem,
Rabbi David A. Cantor.
Danya,
I was so shocked and saddened when I heard today of Abby’s death. I had known her well when I was in Rabbinical School and she was an undergrad, and then we lost touch for several years. I had heard she was sick but didn’t know many details, and I only saw her a few times during that time.
Then, I just ran into her a few months ago. She said her health was better, and she was so excited to be starting a new program in the chaplaincy program at the AJR (Academy of Jewish Religion)! Things seemed to be turning around for her.
As a chaplain myself, (I do hospice work) I have been in constant awe and admiration at Abby ‘s ease in being able to be a “natural” chaplain. Pastoral Care was part of who she was.
Like you said, Danya, in her short life, she touched many more people than I ever will in my life time.
When I heard about the loss, I came home to find out more, but like David, found no obituary. Your blog was the only info I found on this beautiful, giving soul.
May her memory be a blessing.