For Susan -
Her
last words to me, before she slipped into unconsciousness, were “ I
love you all so much."
It
has been said that the only real thing of value in this life is
giving and receiving true and unconditional love...well, my
beauties...this priceless gift from your mother to you manifests
itself in you here today. I can honestly say that, in my
life's experience, I have never been witness to a more
complete, more generous, yet pragmatic devotion of a mother to her
beloved children. Please wear that love as a protective
armor against the world's rough edges.
You
know she lived for you 3 wonderful people...to watch you becoming
your best selves was the true delight of her life...
I
remember one fine September morning, waking up next to my love,
hearing her say “ It's been so long since I have felt like myself.”
That's
what this monster disease does...to too many...to the very best human
I have had the privilege to know...
She
fought so bravely, selflessly, caring primarily about letting us let
her go with peace, love, and a profound serenity that leaves me
breathless.
My
woman/girl, a daughter, sister, mother, loyal and devoted wife,
friend, confidant, a most trusted and loyal advisor, a graceful
spirit of such sacred humanity...a woman in full.
She
always wanted to do the right thing. She never seemed to lose faith
that you, her closest friends and clients would do the same.
Perhaps her genius in this was that her faith in us may have elevated
us, willing or no.
And
so, we thank you
all for being with us today, your kindness and support through the
years, and being a part of our lives. We are especially grateful to
Libby and Sue for making today happen. For Mary and Vanessa, I am
deeply honored and joyful to be your new “breakfast buddy.” For
all the “behind the scenes” acts of love and kindness that you
have performed over the years, and especially now...there are no
words. Thanks to my friends and coworkers at the Inn, and the
Heilners for their endless acts of kindness. We owe an enormous debt
to the skilled and dedicated Cape Henlopen educators, represented here today
by the Donahues, Fredericks and Burkharts. Thank you to the Miles River Yacht Club Foundation for the wonderful work they do in Talbot County and the surrounding area, helping the underprivileged. We are deeply and humbly grateful to
Ed and Cathy Scott, and the Allemall Foundation, for their
contributions in making this life, and our childrens' education,
largely possible.
I
thank you, Yvonne, for your daughter. Your constant devotion to her
and the shaping of her character made her the gift we share today.
Lastly, I want to thank our children, Tom, Ben, and Hannah. You are
the embodiment of your mother's spirit, intelligence, and love. As
long as we stand together, there is no trial we cannot face.
And
now, she would want us to continue moving forward, live happy and
full lives, to “gobedo.” She would want me to “keep it real,
Don.”
Yes
dear, but first, please, will you allow me this for my friend, my
love, my soul reviver?
By
W. B. Yeats -
When you are old and gray and full of sleep
And nodding by the fire, take down this book,
And slowly read, and dream of the soft look
Your eyes had once, and of their shadows deep;
How many loved your moments of glad grace,
And loved your beauty with love false or true;
But one man loved the pilgrim soul in you,
And loved the sorrows of your changing face.
And bending down beside the glowing bars,
Murmur, a little sadly, how love fled
And paced upon the mountains overhead,
And hid his face amid a crowd of stars.
