Prayers for her family and everyone who was touched by her spirit <3 RIP
I'd like to share two things.
I sent a message to Rachel's husband to let him know about the tribute to Rachel with the Peace Sign in place of pride by the BWW logo.
He responded by saying "wow, that's tremendous. That would have meant alot to Rachel." He went on to say that he likes that you have to know what it means, and the expectation that so many will.
To be a part of the BWW community is to know how special it has been to see real-life friendships take root and grow into the deepest of relationships. Rachel has been one of the best parts of this community, and touched all of us. Rachel = Peace. It's forever linked in our hearts. This tribute captures her true essence. And celebrates the community that is so precious to us.
The other thing I wanted to share is that earlier in this thread someone asked if there was a tangible way to contribute in Rachel's honor and memory.
We've already shared that signing up to be an Organ Donor is a gift that would mean the world to Rachel.
Her husband asked me to share the family request for donations to the National Kidney Foundation.
If you would like to make a donation, and would like to do so in Rachel's memory, you can PM me for her full name.
Few people could draw all of us together. Rachel was one of the rare gems who we all loved. Whether we knew her in real life or only through BWW. What a gift.
Broadway Legend Joined: 7/28/05
i just came back to see the peace sign next to the bww logo in honor of rachel. truly a beautiful gesture on rob's part.
s'long, dear friend. this world is better for your having been in it. you are forever in my heart.
Broadway Legend Joined: 11/9/04
Just got in to find this terribly sad news... But also the beautiful tribute BWW has given our friend.
Rest in peace. I'll light a candle tonight.
My heart just hurts. Such a wonderful person who will be greatly missed.
Sorry to hear this. She visited me when I was in the hospital. So sorry she died so young. ;-(
Broadway Legend Joined: 10/18/04
A smart, compassionate and absolutely lovely woman. Sending love and condolences to her family. I am so sorry for your loss.
Broadway Legend Joined: 9/19/05
the peace sign is a beautiful tribute.
Broadway Legend Joined: 7/22/03
Rob Diamond, you're a real mensch! Peace to you, too!
She was truly one of a kind.
I miss you, my friend.
Broadway Legend Joined: 8/2/03
You meet some people and you know it is a privilege and blessing to have them in your life. Iflit was one of those people. Strikingly beautiful, inside and out. Gone far too soon.
Prayers for all who loved her.
Etoile,so good to hear from you. Your little "beat up gang" has missed you. It is amazing the lives that ifliti**** has touched.
Broadway Legend Joined: 5/15/03
Sorry to hear of her passing.
Life's Mirror
There are loyal hearts, there are spirits brave,
There are souls that are pure and true;
Then give to the world the best that you have,
And the best will come back to you.
Give love, and love to your life will flow,
A strength in your utmost need;
Have faith, and a score of hearts will show
Their faith in your work and deed.
Give truth, and your gift will be paid in kind,
And honor will honor meet;
And the smile which is sweet will surely find
A smile that is just as sweet.
Give sorrow and pity to those who mourn;
You will gather in flowers again
The scattered seeds from your thought outborne
Though the sowing seemed but vain.
For life is the mirror of king and slave,
'Tis just what we are and do;
Then give to the world the best that you have
And the best will come back to you.
You truly gave your best. "Strong work" my friend. Strong work.
Rest in sweet peace.
Did anyone think to grab a screen cap while the peace sign was up?
Broadway Legend Joined: 7/22/03
I've been on an Iflit-inspired THJ*.
*Total HAIR Jag
Oh I'm so sorry to hear this news. RIP iflitifloat.
She was a dear, sweet woman. SO glad I got to meet her, and so sad I didn't get to know her better.
The peace sign tribute on the BWW logo was absolutely beautiful and heartbreaking.
Fare thee well, beautiful lady.
Broadway Legend Joined: 8/14/04
JerseyGirl2, maybe someone else got a full head banner screen cap. If not, or meanwhile, with help from Google, here is the link to the image:
https://cloudimages.broadwayworld.com/bww-peace.png
(Transparent, so that's why it's not against a black background here in this post, but if you click the link, it shows up on black -- at least for me, in Firefox, it does.)
RIP, Rachel.
I've been going through my own personal hell for the past two years, but NOTHING compared to what Rachel was going through. And yet she gave me support, guidance, empathy and strength. She would say, "I know exactly what you're going through, Christine, and it's painful." Then she would share personal experiences that she felt would help me.
This, to me, is the epitome of love. Her friendship and encouragement helped me more than I can say. While other friends pretty much backed away, Rachel gave more of herself. I would say, "My problems are so petty compared to the crap you're dealing with!" But she would assure me that we are all part of the same human experience and that "Pain is pain...and it's real."
I realized that rather than considering my issues trivial, Rachel was doing one of the things that gave her a true sense of fulfillment: "being there." She had so much love to give, and she was generous beyond words. A sparkling spirit...then, now, always.
I posted the following on FB. Rather than try to say the same things in a slightly different way, I am simply going to copy it here.
***********
Rachel was, and always will be, a truly magnificent human being. She was as eloquent as she was compassionate and wise. Her insights were unmistakable in their depth, originality and reason. I could always count on her for an honest viewpoint, some words of encouragement and a laugh-out-loud moment.
Her strength and sense of purpose in the face of her illness has taught me so very much. Rachel has helped me to accept life as it comes, with honesty, humor and dignity. Her ability to share this most painful and intimate life experience is another gift to me and many, many others.
Rachel has always and will always inspire me...as a woman, as a friend and as a mom. I send you all my most heartfelt regret for the loss of your wife and mother. At the same time, I envy the roles you played in her life...no doubt it was honor to appear alongside such a star.
Love to you, Rachel. Thank you for including me in your life. As so many others have said, "Peace." Xooo
If there ever comes a day when we can't be together keep me in your heart, I'll stay there forever
That is where Rachel will always be for me.
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