First of all, let me say for the entire family how much love & support we feel as we read all the comments from friends far and wide! If you have been reading and haven't posted, don't be shy, you need not say anything earth shattering, a simple "hello" lets us know you are there and we appreciate your presence.
A quick note to those who are recently joining us and reading the blog from the beginning: Unfortunately due the nature of the software we are using, comments made to earlier entries are attached to that message and only the person who wrote the original entry is notified. Therefore the comment is not seen by most readers (because people who have kept up with the blog from early on, don't know to go back and look for new comments.) I am attaching a few recent postings made to previous entries, so that all can see. (Click "Continue Reading 'A Small Bit of Business'" link below.)
If you are a new reader and wish to post a comment, we ask that you post to the latest entry (feel free to reference earlier entries) so that all can see the latest activity on the blog!
Shalom,
Jeni
Posted to "In the Beginning there was the Blog"
Dear Don and Marilyn: We have thought about you today and hope the meeting with the oncologist went well. It is our continuing prayer that your "dance", no matter how long or short, will continue to be a good one. As we have said so often, you are a real inspiration to so many. Thank you both for the good, open, sharing people that you are. Much Love, Bob and Dova Thirsk
From Bob & Dova Thirsk
Dear Donel: Thinking of you and your family at this difficult time. Your attitude is marvelous and it will help all of us prepare our hearts for the end, and the beginning of your next adventure. You have shown such grace and enthusiasm as you lived your life, and no less at now. I remember the movie, "The Doctor" with William Heard and Elzabeth Perkins. They were out in the desert dancing as she was dying of brain cancer, but she didn't pity herself, or give up and just "let it happen" she celebrated the life she had, as are you. Thanks for showing us the way! God bless!
From Sandi Bride
Donel: How it i that Life happenes when you're making other plans. When I turned to the Church's web page to check out email addresses for you and Cynthia, I found your blog and the latest developments.
Maybe I can do for you as you so generously did for me and my sister, Karen, -- son and daughter of Margaret & Oliver Johnson; extending to you my loving kindness and join the circle of abiding comfort and support. In our last time together I taught you and Cynthia a song that we sing at Judson Memorial Church in NY. The words are by Gertrude Stein and come from her work, "In Circles" the music was written by Al Carmines. It goes,
I leave you there.
Do not, do not despair.
Remain in a Circle and do not despair.
I wanted to let you know that friends and I will be passing through Bellingham in mid June and we hope to attend church on the 19th. You will remain in my prayers until we meet again. Love and a reminder, Life Is Good Dave Johnson
Dave Johnson
Posted to "Every Journey Begins with a Single Step":
I am so proud of you Donel!
You are now experiencing 'the gift of death' - a very dear time. There is time to recognize one's life achievements [yours are many!], settle most accounts, and prepare one's self for the journey. I appreciate the burden that has been lifted from you.
I have been by the side of many souls who have made this journey over my 20 years of nursing service. It is amongst the most impressive of life's gifts.
I am thankful and happy for you at this time.
With love,
your neighbor, Lisa Wallis
From Lisa Wallis
From "Saying Goodbye"
Pastor McClellan,
I just got done reading a portion of your 'blog' and it touched me deeply. My father was diagnosed with lung cancer a little over a year ago. He went through radiation and chemotherapy, and it seemed to go into remission. However, last month, the doctors found another spot on his lung as well as a tumor in his brain. At the end of February, two of my siblings and I flew to Yuma to see him. It was difficult at best to visit him, knowing what the impending results are going to be. Without treatment, he would have about one month; with treatment, he could have as many as 6 months. Knowing that my father is dying is a difficult thing to deal with. But reading your entries helps a lot. Thank you for your courage. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family as you 'dance' this dance.
From Cynthia
Dear Donel and Marilyn,
I read your Blog on Wedpm after a planning meeting at church. I felt likey crying. I have been wanting to send you both a note but wanting to say someting meaniful, loving and supportive, because that is what the both of you have been to Fred, I and the girls. But the right words just don't come to me so I will just say we love and care about you and will try to have the same courage as you in facing what lies ahead.
Thank you for putting into words your faith and courage, Donel--- we are trying to learn.
Marilyn, my heat aches for you. We will be here to love, support and even do lawn work it that might help.
Peggy and Fred
Don, Marilyn and family, this is the first time I've written in your blog, and not because I haven't been reading it and thinking about it a great deal. I cried a little here at my desk at work yesterday when I read your posting with its news of finality. I am so grateful for your frank and open sharing, and your attitude is so amazing. Don, I've admired you and appreciated your gifts and your personality for so many years. It's hard to accept that you will leave us, and yet this process of following the details of your illness and how you are coping is very inspiring. Thank you, thank you for who you are.
Posted by: Mary Rausch at April 1, 2005 10:14 AM
Dear Jeni,
Thank you so much for posting those comments. They were beautiful and helpful to me in trying to come to grips with the final dance of your father.
Love to you, Anita
Posted by: Anita Collins at March 31, 2005 08:49 PM