And the celebration continues!
There really wasn't closure until we got to honor Dean in our beloved 'Northwoods' in July. What  a lovely afternoon luncheon with our dear friends on the Eagle Waters patio. Thank you to all who attended and to all who continue to keep me busy! It is rather quiet in the cottage without Dean's (large) presence.

And what a perfect setting to be surrounded by so many loves as Pastor Josh helped me perform my Widow's Ring ceremony (thank you, sweet Therese, for this idea.) Removing wedding rings is not an easy decision for a widow, with the timing a very personal one. After acknowledging the 5.5 years of essentially being without my 'husband', that vows were indeed lived up to and that a ring need not be worn as 'proof' of commitment to the world, my ring was joined with Dean's with a delicate ribbon and placed in a satin pouch. In its place,  I will be wearing a sweet angel-wings ring to honor our 41 years together and will think of him each time I look at it. 

I think this will be a good time to wrap up this Caring Bridge journal, print everything out, and work on making a hard-copy book of this amazing, difficult, remarkable Glioblastoma journey. What an extraordinary gift, journaling on this platform has been-so therapeutic and so connectional. I shall treasure each comment and prayer anyone ever wrote here. Please keep in touch-janelleslavick@gmail.com .

Before closing, I want to thank the anonymous gifter of the Sam's Club basket, some time ago. No name was attached and a big thank you is due. So many thank you's are due to so many of you who visited, who put aside their uncomfortableness-with-dying and spent time with Dean for HIM, who brought loads of groceries and treats and meals, and flowers. Thank you for seeing Dean through to the other side of the veil, here in person or from afar. And thank you for so many of you sending a note or text  when you hear the final song of Dean's ceremony, "Joy in the Morning". I love that you have been touched by it. BTW, Tauren shared with Makella a sweet message upon learning of Dean's passing saying it was an honor to be a piece of his story and legacy.
           
As I send YOU, my Caring Bridge community, all the love. Be well. Love well.
Forever in my heart.