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We think therefore we are
Staying Positive in a Negative World - Celebrating Dr. Miriam Garfinkle
http://wethinkthereforeweare.org/index.php/2018/10/
Date Written: 29/10/2018
Year Published: 2018
Resource Type: Article
Abstract:
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Excerpt:
I knew Miriam mostly professionally -- she had worked at IWHC Toronto for several years prior to my arrival and maybe a year or so after. She was a force of nature. She was fierce, strong, charismatic, had very definite opinions and this fabulous, full-spirited laugh.
I knew Miriam mostly professionally -- she had worked at IWHC Toronto for several years prior to my arrival and maybe a year or so after. She was a force of nature. She was fierce, strong, charismatic, had very definite opinions and this fabulous, full-spirited laugh.
She served as our medical director as well a regular staff physician and she was known for her caring nature and personal authenticity. She was a committed activist -- I believe, a founding member of Jewish Women Against the Occupation -- dedicated to a free Palestine, justice for indigenous communities, protecting the environment and a host of other social justice causes and issues.
She had a zest for life I have rarely seen in anyone. She hiked, biked, walked, skiied, danced, played hockey -- among other activities -- she never wanted to miss a second of life experience. She was wholly invested in life and living. She was rooted in her community and her fellow humans in a way that few of us can emulate -- she spent hours chatting with many friends and acquaintances on the street, in the market or at an event and reconnecting on things that were mutually interesting and important. Her family -- her partner, son, daughter, grandson, sister and all family members -- were beloved members of her tribe; she loved sharing traditions and creating new rituals that strengthened their collective love, and birthed years of cherished memories and 'together' moments.
From what I understand, Miriam's battle with cancer spanned 18 years -- including manifestations in breast and thyroid -- treatments, remissions and resurgence. A difficult road to walk for someone who lost her own mother to the disease as a daughter at the tender age of 20.
At the service today, people repeatedly talked not only of her courage through every step of her battle, but her commitment to enjoying all the moments in between, doing the things she loved, with the people she loved. Knowing that her time was limited, she made conscious, determined choices about spending her time in meaningful and satisfying ways, often scheduling activities like hiking and skiing on days between treatment appointments. Her partner shared that on one trip to the hospital, she took her telephoto lens and camera to capture a nest of hawks on Huron street; not only did she take those pictures, she got them published afterwards as well.
As a fellow activist, one part of the eulogy stood out to me in particular. Miriam's childhood friend (also named Miriam) said they discussed the challenges of thriving in an imperfect world with an uncertain future. They concluded that (I'm paraphrasing here) 'despite your fear and anxiety about the world, you have to find a way to love and laugh. No matter how messy life gets, there must be moments of joy.'
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