Donel,
Greetings from an old on-line friend. In fact you were one of my first on-line friends, back in the early eighties on what became ecunet. I am really saddened by word of your illness and impending death, yet also heartened by your spirit and attitude. You know God is with you in this and it shows. Having just learned of Pope John Paul II's death I was also heartened by your earlier comments about learning from him how to die. I admire you both for your faith and courage.

I love the poem this comment is attached to and would like to get permission to use it with families in a similar situation. Can you post Karen's e-mail or give her mine?

I will try to stay in touch by reading your blog and responding when I can.

Shalom for the journey,

Paul

dear don, marilyn, dani, jeni and martin,
i just wanted to say hi and let you know i am following you on the blog. as always, i am wishing we werent so far apart. you are all my extended family, as my childhood memories so often include one or more mcclellans. i am at a loss for words at this time of transition, while i watch and listen to how each of you deals with this part of life. thank you for sharing with all of us such a personal , yet universal experience. i am humbled by your ability to dance together, finding joy in the midst of pain and sorrow.
i love you all!
beth

I am marveling at how your dance with dying is bringing together so many people in such a positive way. As I read each posting, I reflect on how much your spiritual leadership has meant to those whose lives you have touched and how it must feel to get a chance to hear from all of them. When I finish reading the blog, I walk away with tears but still singing:
"Above the tumult and the strife,
I hear the music ringing;
It sounds an echo in my soul
How can I keep from singing?"
Thank you for sharing this journey with us.

Thanks for sharing Karen's poem with us, Donel. It speaks for many of us who find ourselves at a loss for just the right words. Peace and Love, Barb

What an honest, powerfully naked poem. I'm
awed by the truth of it, as much as by the perpetual truth of the McClellan family.

We all wish for closeness with someone, the kind expressed in your family writings....each one a tender sweetness,
as longed for by each soul alive.

Your loving dance blog may be your masterpiece gift to us. Imagine how far and wide it will keep teaching....the heart of each McClellan author...into vast cyberspace...remarkable lessons of daily gratitude, embraced in giving of self.

You Donel, are teaching what I asked for long ago and far away. Early 1975 in St. Joseph's Hospital, Burbank, my father was dying. In those days they kept a patients' family in the lobby, with periodic updates from a nurse. It was torturous being alone, cut off from Dad and his process.

When the nurse gave the final word, I snuck in to say goodbye to my Dad. It was a good thing. Then I called you from the hospital. How to handle my pain?

You offered a book to read for solace, and said I could see you. I drove across the valley, straight to your office. I remember the stained glass window, the butterfly, the purple quiet, the peaceful Donel....the comfort in my unbearable pain.

Now you write the book, for me and the many you have led through the Richter Scale times of life.
I see the wry smile, the twinkle of Donel curiosity, the assurance something fascinating is going on, and a peace that passes my understanding. Thank you for your answer. (The magic ingredient is Marilyn, right?) I hold your journey in highest esteem and awe. Thank you friend. What a family you have created.
Love, Jennifer (Johnson Wilkins Fralick).