May 08, 2005

Letting Go

Last week Donel sent me Peggy's question: How do you help your partner walk the dance with you knowing that she will have to let you go? He wondered if I would like to answer the question. I've been avoiding it because I don't know what to say.

I am so grateful for the time we have had. I don't think that there is anything undone either between us or within our family. We have laughed and cried together. And, even now, when I feel weepy I don't try to protect Donel from my emotions. Perhaps that is unkind. But, I think that it was a gift from my family of origin. No one in my immediate family ever questions how I feel about something! So, perhaps rule number one is to attempt to be authentic and open together. But, then, I've never had anything to fear because Donel has always been gentle with my feelings. It was one of the best gifts of our marriage. Honesty and gentleness.

And, we have been separate individuals. Most of you will understand when I say that "Minister's Wife" has never completely defined me. Donel always encouraged me to be myself, to invent new Marilyns, and he has been my cheering section when I have, even when he was inconvenienced. I have been more hesitant over his endeavors. He is uniquely creative and visionary. The civil rights movement, the earliest computers, all the arts, poetry, printing - I've been several steps behind him. But, I still appreciate his creativity and his ability to be defined by his inner voice instead of what others might want him to be.

One gift from Donel's ministry is our utterly amazing church community as well as former friends and parishoners from Woodland Hills and Santa Barbara. The night before he went to the hospital, I thought our family was absurd. Five of them sat in the living room with their laptop computers -- creating and refining the blog. Since Donel was responsible for the earliest online chat rooms in the ecclesiastical world, he was perfectly at ease. They are all weird, was my thought. But, as usual, I was wrong.

What a gift the blog has been. I thought it might be invasive. Instead it has been inclusive. I can't tell you how very moving it is to hear from so many old and loved friends all over the world. I feel like I'm on a journey with a company of close companions. And, I know people have felt included in a way they could never have been without the blog. Again, I get carried along with my creative and forward thinking family. Chips off the old block, for sure.

I don't really know how to do this, Peggy. I get up in the morning and go through each day -- knowing that we walk towards the end of our lives together as we knew it. I miss our life and mourn the loss of it. I feel like I'm in limbo. But, I am so very grateful of the wonderful years we have shared. I'm so very grateful for our children who are my anchors through all the grief. I cannot adequately thank them. They have put aside their own lives to walk by our side every step of the way.

I give thanks for everything we have been fortunate enough to have -- our health, educations, wealth by most world standards, our wonderful and loving families. We have been graced by God over and over and over again. How could I possibly not be grateful for such a life together? So, it ends earlier than I would choose. But, then, I never have been able to call all the shots. And, that is ok. Sad, but basically ok.

Posted by Marilyn at May 8, 2005 09:02 PM

Oh, Marilyn. The only thing that comes into my head right now is WOW. Thank you for the out-pouring of your feelings. I pray for your strength to continue.

Your friend, Anita

Posted by: Anita Collins at May 8, 2005 10:23 PM

To My Big Sister....As I go to bed tonight my arms are wrapped gently around you. I love you with all my heart.
Love, Linda

Posted by: Linda at May 8, 2005 11:51 PM

Beautiful words mom. See you tomorrow.

Posted by: dani at May 9, 2005 12:33 AM

Dear Marilyn:
Thanks so much for sharing yourself so freely with so many of us. Although I have been hesitant to add my comments, being so far out of your immediate circle, I read the blog daily and am always amazed at the grace and inspiration that I find there to help me deal with difficult issues in my own life and focus and what really matters. I am so grateful to be included in the McClellan journey though this blog. Thanks to all of you for your continuing generosity. You are all in my thoughts and prayers daily as you find your individual and collective ways through what must be a maze of grief and love.
Love to all of you,
Judy

Posted by: Judy Boyd at May 9, 2005 07:48 AM

Dear Marilyn, One of your many gifts to Donel may have been keeping him rooted in the real. Clergy can sometimes have an out-of-control ego, especially when a congregation is all ga-ga over him or her. At home with you Donel has been able to share himself, laugh at his one or one and a half shortcomings, be loved even when the pledges are not as high as he might have wanted.

I have known clergy who wore the clergy personna even with their own families. What a drag! Thank goodness Donel has a family who encourages him in being real to others and to himself.

Go get that man a velveteen rabbit to snuggle with Hairball!

Thank you for loving him all these years. Thank God for every partner who has encouraged their loved one to be honest and real and in touch always with what is eternally important. Jennifer

Posted by: Jennifer at May 9, 2005 08:11 AM

Thank you for sharing your thoughts and feelings even when you thought you didn't know what to say. You said it well and it blesses all of us.

Posted by: Connie Joy Newcomer at May 9, 2005 08:39 AM

I can't come up with anything to say, Marilyn, except that old recurring theme. I love you and Donel very much. This was so much easier when we were laughing about John Kerry posting in the blog.

Posted by: Janet at May 9, 2005 10:07 AM

Dear Marilyn,
I suspect I am similar to everyone else who read your blog notes, Marilyn. I cried and cried - and that's not easy for me to do even privately. You are all in my heart and I am grateful to believe without a doubt - you are all in God's care. Much love, Ann

Posted by: Ann Chisolm at May 9, 2005 10:10 AM

I guess I do have some other words to say....Some time ago Jeni wrote about her Dad being the Face of God for her. The title of Marilyn's posting brought that comment and some of my thinking back to me. When the Herald printed the article about Donel on Easter everyone seemed well pleased with it....I was too, except that there was one really important thing that I tried to say to the reporter that didn't make it to the story...in a very big and mysterious way Donel is so much a reflection of the Christ to me that his loss (at least in the way that I know him presently)is a profoundly spiritual. I've told Donel that my tears are extremely selfish...I'm not worried about him in the slightest...I'm waaaaaaaay more worried about me! My experience of Holy Week and Easter and now the time just ahead of Pentecost is radically different this year.....it feels much more personal...the Christ, at least this brilliant inhabitation, is getting ready to go on ahead of me....and it changes so much. (I'm trying not to be heretical and am not saying that Donel is the same person as that Jewish revolutionary a couple millenia back but you have to admit a striking resemblance. And I think there's supposed to be one.) Jesus promised a spirit that would dwell in us richly and charged us to be like him. Donel and Marilyn have made good on both the charge and the promise. They have shown the face of the Christ to me in part through themselves as individuals but also through the beauty of their relationship and the warmth of family. It is very hard to let go of one of these messengers because he bears a striking resemblance to the Message itself. There will be Easter morning words for me too, I'm sure. I wouldn't be a very good "disciple" if I didn't think that it will all work out for good in the end. In the meantime I'm going to try to hold onto some of the awful awful AWFUL jokes Donel has told me. They are the only things that are going to get me through the high notes of the anthem he wants at his Celebration of Life. Thank goodness there will be angels singing it around him by the time I get there! I'm not sure the rendition is going to be a thing of earthly beauty but it will be a reflection of great and abiding love.

Posted by: Janet at May 9, 2005 11:01 AM

Dear Marilyn, Don and grown kids,
Just this week Ted and I celebrated our 15th wedding anniversary. We joked that we were going to go for another 15. That would take Ted up to 100 years old! That realization makes it clear to me that sometime in the next 15 years I will lose him. This has been such a wonderful second marriage that I don't want to let him go. This gives me some idea of how you must be feeling, Marilyn. There is never enough time.
Yesterday we all met at Lake's place while she cooked Mother's day dinner for my daughter-in-law and me. She said that she didn't want to go fast in a car crash, but with time to "finish things." I guess that's what all of you are doing.
I remember Don, you telling about your own father's last days and how you helped feed him as he had once fed you when you were little.
Lake told me of your website and now I am reading it every Monday. Lake reads it once a week also, I think.
Remember, dear ones, Don/Dad/Grandpa is not leaving you; he is just getting there ahead of you. God is with you all, but then you know that.
with love, Zazel Nofer Whitney

Posted by: Zazel Whitney at May 9, 2005 11:25 AM

Dear Marilyn,

Life is amazing in the way that tears of joy and sadness mingle together as we think about the people we love. I appreciate your taking the time to reach out to others and giving words of comfort to those who would try to comfort you! It reminds me of our wanting to put a cook book together in our church circle a few years back, but to me the words are even more nourishing than food. I would like to "second" all the beautiful thoughts that your friends have expressed in response to the McClellan blog entries. The give and take is very powerful and offers much hope.

The visual analogy of a dance is helpful for us all. Your partnership with Donel has always been an inspiration. Your children and grandchildren are very fortunate to have lived with this example and their own individuality has been nurtured. You love and enjoy their presence, and now they too are inspirational! Thank you for sharing your personal journeys and reflections, and we join with your family in spirit "with God at our center."

Posted by: Beth at May 9, 2005 12:03 PM

You both are such beautiful people and you definitely set a wonderful example for a great marriage and relationship. I am sure you both know how lucky you are and have been. You compliment each other so very much. I appreciate your thoughts Marilyn. We both send our love and prayers as always.

Carol

Posted by: Carol Garguile at May 9, 2005 12:14 PM

Dear Guys, How do you live? The best way you can...and the best you can is always plenty for us all. You live from one moment to the next knowing that the most important thing is love, and whatever else happens is OK, and the oceans of tears you can't believe you can produce are just the love overflowing, the frustration that can't be held inside, the grieving running over the top of a very large cup. We live passionately and most of us wouldn't have it any differently, given the choice to feel or not to feel. Marilyn and Donel and all you kids feel so familiar as to be the insides of everything I would imagine me to be feeling given a similar life experience...we ARE all in there with you. I am filled with admiration for the way you process the truth, your willingness to include us as you walk it or run it or sit in it. There aren't words good enough to thank you, but I do. You guys are all just plain gorgeous!!!!! Love, Julie

Posted by: Julie Gorrell at May 9, 2005 02:31 PM

P.S. These days life is a lot like posting something to you on the blog...you do the best you can, hope it's loving, trust motivaton to ring true to the receiver and hit POST. Do you suppose dying is like being born?...can't have been a whole lot of fun getting squeezed through that birth canal, losing free, on-demand meals with a snip of the umbilical and then if we don't yell, getting an upside-down belt to the backside...and I don't remember any of it happening now!

Posted by: Julie Gorrell at May 9, 2005 02:41 PM

Marilyn - Your words beautifully define the extraordinary relationship you and Donel have.

I join so many others who are also profoundly grateful for the time we have had with Donel. A great gift has been given and we are the fortunate recipients.

My love to you and to Donel. Love always wins.

Cheryll

Posted by: cheryll blair at May 9, 2005 03:01 PM

Marilyn - Your words beautifully define the extraordinary relationship you and Donel have.

I join so many others who are also profoundly grateful for the time we have had with Donel. A great gift has been given and we are the fortunate recipients.

My love to you and to Donel. Love always wins.

Cheryll

Posted by: cheryll blair at May 9, 2005 03:01 PM

Dear Marilyn,
You are walking this road showing us how. Thank you for that.

Now I see why you are so good at encouraging creativity in kids. You've been practicing all these years with Donel and your own children. What a wonderful gift to give.

Oh...and...you're no slouch in the articulate and creative department!

Peace and love to you and yours, Barb

Posted by: Barb Storms at May 9, 2005 06:15 PM

Dear Donel and Marilyn,

Thank you, Marilyn for your beautiful words.

Those of us out here are still listening, and still praying. This conversation is what is keeping us going. Each of us is replaying all our memory tapes as we dance with you. So many experiences, over so many years. So many memories of being connected to you, during good times, and during the most difficult transitions of our lives. The two of you always "hung-in there" with each of us. Now, all of us, all together, are "hanging-in there" with each other.

I am visualizing all of us holding hands in one enormous circle. Picture the connected hands. Thousands of them. Feel the energy that generates. Imagine a gigantic laying-on of those hands. Feel the radiant love coursing through our collective body, to yours.

God is still speaking.

Love,
Nancy

Posted by: Nancy Kennell at May 9, 2005 06:58 PM

Dear Marilyn:

You are probably one of the most articulate people I know and once again you have proved it in writing about a very difficult subject. Your love, individuality, genuineness, and caring shows through. Both John and I continue to pray for you all on a daily basis. I suppose, like most journeys through life, one doesn't always know what comes next. Hang in there!

Love and peace to you all,

Brenda

Posted by: Brenda Riseland at May 9, 2005 07:07 PM

Dear Marilyn and Donel,

You are both such wonderful friends, I have been blessed by knowing you both. Donel is my all-time favorite preacher. He sees things that I don't, he is able to express himself so well, and he has a great sense of timing in telling his stories.

And as Barb said, "you ain't no slouch either". Thank you for sharing your thoughts and feelings with us. As Donel continues to decline we all want to know about it and this blog is a wonderful way (and I agree unobtrusive) to keep us all up to date.

Don't be too hard on yourself. Your grief is natural and I am sure Donel knows that. The Hospice nurse knows that. And you know that

You are in my prayers.

K

Posted by: Kay Porter at May 9, 2005 07:40 PM

Marilyn--I am so glad to hear YOUR words. I think of you and pray for you so often. When I feel badly that Don will be gone from my immediate life--which means seeing him every few years and internet contact now and then--I remind myself how much more profound that loss is for you as you contemplate your future without your lifemate and best friend. And while your wonderful children have been articulate on the blog, I kept wondering, "How is Marilyn doing?" So glad to know you have such solid perspective--and that you are having ample opportunity to express your feelings and have them accepted.

Please remember how many people love and care about you as you dance your sad part of the dance and watch your partner slowly separate and move away across the floor. Love, Maria

P.S. Signe showed me photos today of Don and your beautiful new church. It seems to me to be so reflective of Don's taste--simple, tasteful and elegant.

Posted by: Maria Barbee at May 9, 2005 07:46 PM

Well, I think that I have been reading this blog probably since day one and this is my first entry. I'm in New York on vacation thought I'd check in to see how Donel is doing. Today we visited Ground Zero. It has changed quite a bit in the last few years, but I still think of the same thing when I look at it. All of the loss, all of those last phone calls to people to say "I love you." This is something that I have always seen Donel and Marilyn do. Their open appreciation and admiration for eachother is inspiring. Going through this dance with you two and the experience of visiting Ground Zero again only reinforces for me the importance of telling people how you feel about them, the second you feel it, and living each day to the fullest. So Donel and Marilyn, I just wanted to take time to write you and say I love you both very much and am thinking of you and saying prayers in some of the oldest (although not UCC) churches in the country. I hope that you continue to feel held up by the strength and prayers of all of us that love you.

Posted by: Cindy Monger at May 9, 2005 07:55 PM

Cindy - Ground Zero is a perfect example of how people can lose loved ones with no preparation. We are so grateful for our long journey -- what a gift! Enjoy your vacation. I hope FCCB can function awhile without you! It probably takes five to ten people to fill your shoes while you are gone.

Thanks for sharing such nice words. And, thanks for everyone who responded to my posting. I'm usually happy to sit back and read instead of write. But, sometimes Donel gives me a nudge, and I felt that I had to honor his request.

Posted by: Marilyn at May 9, 2005 08:48 PM

We just wanted to say we love you, Marilyn and Donel, very much. I'm (me being Kj the typing one) a little emotional right now, I don't think I can write any more. We both just wanted to at least say that.

Posted by: Kj and Bryce at May 9, 2005 10:08 PM

Dear Marilyn,
I appreciate your very articulate comments about where you are, as your partnership with Don changes and you don't know how long it will continue. I never had that opportunity as you know. I can only be grateful that I kissed Alan goodbye with a big hug as he left for San Diego only to know that something was wrong when he wasn't home as planned. I literally felt a blow to my gut about the time he was hit by the drunk driver. It was an hour later that I got the call from the hospital. They wouldn't tell me that he was gone, but I found out later from a doctor that he had died instantly, which, in a way, I was glad to hear because he never would have recovered.
We just never know, nor can we ever really be prepared for the suddeness with which life can change. I have often wondered what it would be like to go through what you are experiencing, now I have some idea.
Don will be fine as he makes the transition, I'm convinced, but we may wonder about ourselves, that parting is so painful. You and the kids will have had the opportunity to say that lingering goodbye, and even though I didn't, I'm ok and I know you all will be too. God does look after us and surprises us with our okness when we least expect it. For all I hurt, I kept feeling blessed inspite of myself.
I can't tell you how much I appreciate this blog, it's been a real testament to honesty and authenticity. Would that the world had more McClellan's in it for the rest of us to learn from.
Thanks and much love to you all,
Ruth

Posted by: Ruth Abel at May 10, 2005 01:49 AM

Ruth -- One of the reasons that it is difficult to be negative or angry is that we have been gifted with the time to prepare that you never had with Alan. We have also been gifted with the fact that Donel has not suffered with much pain or discomfort. Until this week, he has enjoyed eating at the table and participating in family life to the best of his physical ability. Joyfully he has been able to attend worship. Most of all, and very important to all of us, his mind and wit continues to be healthy. What a gift! How can I keep from singing?

Posted by: Marilyn at May 10, 2005 08:21 AM

Marilyn,
Your words were a source of solace for me .... as they have always been, my friend.
I am holding you and Donel, Dani, Jeni, Martin and all your family tight and close today. Please know that I am walking and dancing alongside you this morning in part due to this dear blog and all of your caring and articulate loved ones.

Margie

Posted by: Margie Kimberley at May 10, 2005 09:33 AM

Dear Marilyn,
Many years ago in the Family Life group at the Woodland Hills Church we were discussing where we would choose to be if the world was ending.

We talked about it for a while and then you smiled and said - Well, if the end of the world was coming I know exactly where I would want to be; in bed with Don!

I have often thought of your statement and what it said about your marriage and your love for one another.

Thank you for writing what is in your heart at this particular "end of a world". You are generous to share with all of us and I'm so grateful that I have been able to witness the wonderful marriage and partnership that you and Donel have shared for a lifetime.

Love to you and all of your family, Mary Becker

Posted by: Mary Becker at May 10, 2005 09:41 AM

Dear Marilyn and Don, We hve been following every day - and have been ourelves sso strenghtened by your sharings. Marilyn, you are baeautiful! We, too, know the incredible feeling of being carried, esscorted, blessed by such a magnificent network of family, friends, colleagues - the world of our lives brought together through the web in htese days. Please know you are in our hearts constantly. We love the gifts that both of you have brought into our live. Ruth and Dave Sandberg

Posted by: Dave and Ruth Sandberg at May 10, 2005 10:54 AM

Dear Marilyn,

I am so glad Don asked you to write your feelings and very thankful you were willing and able to do so.

I have noticed that frequently in hard life situations the patient is well cared for, but their care-giver is not always thought about as much. So it is a great relief to me to read about your inner strength and understand, from your own words, how supported you are feeling by Don, Dani, Jeni, Martin, and the rest of your family and your close friends in Bellingham. Thank you for sharing. Your faith shines through your caring words.

I read the blog daily and appreciate so much the inspiration I find coming from all of you dear McClellans. Our prayers are with you all.
Much love always,
Peggy


Posted by: Peggy Alexander at May 10, 2005 04:37 PM

Marilyn-
Thank you for your words. I have been reading the blog for awhile now, but I have been too intimidated to post anything because everyone's words have been so profound and eloquent. What could I add? Maybe it's time to just say what's on my heart.
Mom says that you are reading most of the blog to Donel now, so I have been thinking of all the things I want you to tell him. Then I put Lauryn Hill's cd in my car today as I drove through the countryside and "Tell Him" played, and tears started to roll down my face.

Tell Him…
Let me be patient let me be kind
Make me unselfish without being blind
Though I may suffer, I'll envy it not
And endure what comes, cause he's all that I got
And tell him...

Tell him I need him
Tell him I love him
And it'll be alright
Tell him tell him I need him
Tell him I love him
It'll be alright

Now I may have faith to make mountains fall
But if I lack love then I am nothing at all
I can give away everything I possess
But left without love then I have no happiness
I know I'm imperfect
And not without sin
But now that I'm older all childish things end
And tell him...

Tell him I need him
Tell him I love him
And it'll be alright
Tell him tell him I need him
Tell him I love him
It'll be alright

Whenever anyone in this world asks me about my family- I always respond by first telling them about my Mom, Dad, and Sister. But I follow it with the explanation that my real family also includes my church family. I wouldn't be the woman who I am today without them. First Congregational Church of Bellingham is my family, even now that I live on the other side of the country (and other sides of the world at times). That makes Donel a father to me and every other child who grew up in the church. He has taught me so much, guided me, inspired me, and even scolded me (yep I remember at age 13 at the confirmation retreat I did something he wasn't happy with-which makes me laugh now). Tell him I say thank you for helping raise me and mold me. He has touched us all in ways he'll never know. But no matter what, his love will continue to grow in all of us for the rest of our days.

Tell him I love him
And it'll be alright

Together in Christ,
Mari

Posted by: Mari Wepprecht at May 10, 2005 07:12 PM

Dear McClellan Family,

I realize I have been remiss in writing. My life has been full in the months since you know what. However I do read the blog and wanted to share with you this poem that means a lot to me. JFK

PAX

All that matters is to be at one with the living God
To be a creature in the house of the God of Life.

Like a cat asleep on a chair
at peace, in peace
and at one with the master of the house, with the
mistress
at home, at home in the house of the living,
sleeping on the hearth, and yawning before the fire.

Sleeping on the hearth of the living world,
yawning at home before the fire of life
feeling the presence of the living God
like a great reassurance
a deep calm in the heart
a presence
as of a master sitting at the board
in his own and greater being,
in the house of life.

-- by D.H. Lawrence

Posted by: John Kerry at May 10, 2005 08:41 PM

All,

I'm sorry I haven't written before. To tell the truth, I don't feel like I haven't been paying enough attention... well to a lot of things. Its amazing how much a natural procces like death can affect people around it, but then its amazing to see them keep on living themselves, though perhaps not as whole as before.

I think its in my nature to ignore the inevitable. And I'm sorry for that. What you're going through is so much to what I'm going through. I can't even imagine grief at its fullest, because I've never experienced it. And death scares me. I can hardly believe that it doesn't scare you, Donel. To me, a long rest sounds good, but it could never beat still living. If you don't have a choice though, I guess it wouldn't seem so bad. Maybe life's just a big story for others to tell. It has to have a climax, though generally things do keep on going after.

I hope... I hope. That's all I can do. Hope for what, I don't know. I can't really change anything for you guys. Do you really need help anyhow? I'm so happy to read everything on this, and see how comfortable everyone is. Its an amazing feeling.

See ya later,
Becca

Posted by: Becca Olason at May 10, 2005 09:28 PM

. . . and death is only an horizon and an horizon is nothing . . . (Fr. Bede Jarrett)

Watching the Sun Set with My (Dying) Friend

The light changes
As the sun comes near the horizon.
Colors deepen around us.
Shadows pronouce familiar shapes.
The horizon draws nearer
Still.
The orb itself
Draws color inward.
Familiar shapes fade.
Earth's greens darken.
The orange orb glows brighter
Still.

Nothing is said.

With one last pulse
Of orange
The horizon swallows the sun.

It is time for bed.

Posted by: Bob Olmstead at May 10, 2005 09:47 PM

Donel and Marilyn,

Natalia asked if we could come visit again. She loved being able to see you. She understood how attentive you were to her, Donel as you obviously have been to so many. Now we pray for you and your peacefulness and comfort. I also sent this blog onto my mom and dad in Michigan. Yesterday my mom wrote that she was so moved by Marilyn's words. My mom is grieving the loss of my father's activity due to many illnesses, Parkinson's in particular.

Your family's connection is a powerful model to me and now even to my extended family. I thank you for graciously sharing your journey.

Love,
Annie

Posted by: Annie Kurz at May 10, 2005 10:13 PM

Dear McClellan Miracles,

Like satellite pictures show lights on earth, I'll bet you, Donel, will see your web of love glowing around the universe, in prayer and celebration. This is powerful stuff.

Mari Wepprecht is right! Your love will continue to grow in the rest of us. May we follow your example, by our actions. I, for one, will not wait again to connect from my heart. I will miss you dearly. lessons. lessons.

Marilyn, Dani, Jeni, Martin, you are stuck with me in friendship for a long time to come. Thank you for sharing your abundant gifts so genuinely on this blog. I love you each,
Jennifer (it's not that far to Orcas)
p.s who did the Flamingo hit?

Posted by: jennifer johnson fralick at May 10, 2005 10:34 PM

Dear Donel & Marilyn,

I feel compelled to write this. Marilyn, your entry has been at or near the front of my thoughts for the past 24 hours. I feel deep sadness that you are losing your dear friend. I feel joy that your community is large, caring, and that we are able to offer our support. I have known your family since before I can remember and some of my best memories from both childhood (singing in a church musical in Woodland Hills) and my adult life (Donel performing the wedding ceremony for Maylynn and me) involve your family. Your family's easy intelligence and warm welcomes have always felt like putting on a favorite old sweater, despite sizable time gaps. All of this was confirmed again during our recent visit. I know that I am but one of many with similar feelings.

Please know that our thoughts and love are with you.

Christopher

Posted by: Christopher Wilkins at May 10, 2005 11:16 PM

Dear Donel and Marilyn, I figured out how to say what I wanted to say. Your good will, generous spirit, and love that you share so freely makes the world a better place by helping others to be better people. That gets passed on and grows and is perhaps the greatest legacy you can leave. Thank you.

Christopher

Posted by: Christopher Wilkins at May 10, 2005 11:41 PM

Thanks for your openness. It helps the rest of us tiptoe with less trepidation. Just know you are both in o9ur thoughts with any emotions too.
I did walk the dog last nght above Winooski, VT. We had a beautiful view of parts of Lake Champlain and the greening mountains. It was still in the high 70's so we had a very time getting our exercise.

ZOT

Posted by: Bruce at May 11, 2005 03:31 AM

Thank you, Senator Kerry. You made me smile today which is much more fun than all the crying! Why, oh why didn't we buy stock in Kleenex? If we couldn't reduce the church debt by building the chicken flinging clock and marketing it for a huge profit then we at least should have been more prudent about all these trips to the store for more tissue!

Much love to you Donel and Marilyn and everyone in the House of Pink Flamingos. (I think you can sing Amazing Grace to that tune.) xoxoxo jj

Posted by: Janet at May 11, 2005 08:48 AM

I definitely liked the salutation to the McClellan Miracles from another writer! Marilyn - thank you for sharing this particular reflection. Even in this dance, it is clear that Donel and your family cherish you for the individual you are! You are all in my thoughts and prayers.

Sharon

Posted by: sharon at May 13, 2005 05:16 AM
Comments are now closed, thank you.