Farewell Tasha

When you’ve been doing this work for as long as I have, it is inevitable that you will witness the entire cycle of life, from birth to death.

2025 was a year of many highs and lows, but notably that 4 of our regular clients left this dimension by MAID, a peaceful, courageous and noble exit. And while I am no stranger to clients passing, the passing of our good friend and long term client, Tasha, was particularly tender and poignant.

Her passing sits particularly heavy with me because I had actually received the news of her passing while I was traveling in Japan. So, it was unexpected, confusing and jarring being so far away from home and out of my usual routines I would use to process difficult emotions. I dedicated my visit to the Yayoi Kusama Museum in Shinjuku to her. She’s always wanted to visit Japan and would’ve loved seeing it, so, I tried to take it all in through the perspective of her eyes.

Tasha was a force of nature and despite being chronically ill, was prolific in her ability to transform her pain and outrage into art. Our relationship as two human beings, professionally as patient-practitioner, but also through the waxing and waning of our friendship has cycled through periods of smooth sailing and stormy seas. Because of her passion and outspokenness (she definitely did not mince words), she was at times a difficult, abrasive and adversarial individual. I was up for the challenge and it has been a privilege to have known her and to have supported her through various stages of unwellness, but also stages of personal evolution and growth.

Recalling how she was during what would’ve been the final weeks of her life, she was emotionally grounded and open despite a possible cancer relapse. She seemed serene and comfortable in her own skin. I am grateful I was able to witness this period of her existence. It was comforting to know that she left this life finally at peace from her lifelong struggle with being alive in this day and time.

Care work is often thankless, never-ending and unwitnessed, but honest, vital and necessary. The monotony of running a practice, week-in, week-out can be Sisysphean, never-ending. Sometimes, it feels like I’m screaming into the void from within the walls of this tiny practice and every so often, the scream echoes back…

My work as a practitioner is an ongoing education in the human condition. And some clients just stick with you, leaving a mark on your soul.

Thank you Tasha for being such a wise and adept teacher.
It was an honour to be in service to you,

Christina Chan, R.Ac.

whenever I feel helpless
in this overwhelming world

I become a helper

oh, oh
my love

on the days
when it feels like
I have no power

I serve others

you see,
whenever I wash
the world’s feet

my hands
immediately
stop shaking

~Jon Roedel