Dear Rachel,
You truly are a wonderful writer and I wish so much I could put down my thoughts as you do. I hope you see this before you leave us.
I have deep and abiding memories of times with your family and I'm sorry where we live has separated us for so many decades. But when you posted about Dursey Island, it brought out the incredible connection that family always has. It has long lived in my imagination as THE family place I had to go to. That was fueled by my father, and your father, and Uncle David and Uncle John. When Patricia and I planned our trip to Ireland, we used your father's notes and brochures and newspapers he had brought back from Ireland, as well as Uncle David's letters from his trip. We didn't want to miss out on any knowledge that would make our trip complete. When we got to the O'Sullivan castle ruins and then, on the most magical day of our lives, walked the length of Dursey Island, the tears flowed knowing all the family members who had lived there, traveled there or tried to step onto that shore. It was so much more beautiful than we had ever imagined. I carried everyone in the family in my heart that whole day.
Thinking about all of this on the day you will commence a new journey, our family's interest (obsession) with finding that island all just seems a metaphor for life. Your parents had an incredible faith that always inspired me. They also questioned everything and would leave no stone unturned to find answers in life. You seem to have continued on in those traditions. I don't have any explanation for why you have had ten times the challenges than most people. Whatever answers you have found, it is clear they have led you to be the kind of person who could suffer with endurance, grace, and wit and use even her last energy to ensure care for her husband. I'm humbled. Reading the other comments here, you've also spent your life making other people's lives brighter with your imagination and creativity. How very Irish of you!
I think you are going to a place that is more beautiful than any of us can ever imagine. Where answers to life's mysteries either will be given or they won't matter any more. Where any love you gave out in life will be returned to you a million fold. I've had a few times in life God has pulled back the curtain and showed me what that beautiful place will be like when we reach it. I love that you will be finally be free of frustration, fear, and pain! Go in grace and thank you for inspiring me. Love, Cindy
After reading your post yesterday I've found it difficult to think of anything else. I wanted to write here to show my support for you, and to wish you a speedy and painless journey to the other side. I'm sad to see you go, but relieved that you have the chance to go surrounded by your friends and family, after a good party, loved and cherished.
There will be a great many Minnions who will mourn your passing, like we have felt deep sadness about your sickness. Yet we are grateful to have had the privilege of knowing you, reading your words with the razor sharp wit and love of life.
Today I raise my glass to you, and give you thanks for everything you have shared with us at SSSS. May the feathers of the Swan be soft for you. We will not forget you.
Jitter here. I wanted to let you know we the Minnions are thinking of you. There are many well wishes and memories from people you touched. When I joined Minniondom you were away, but I have become convinced you were one of the great influences behind our community becoming the friendly and caring group we are today. Luckily I had the privilege of “meeting” you later, when you returned to us for a while. However there are also Minnions who have joined recently, after your time, who still feel for you and are sending their well wishes. I believe this is a clear testament of the mark you made on us.
I would also like to mention in particular our dear RanVor who has left many comments on the discussions about your situation. He hasn’t specifically asked me to, because he doesn’t know I’m writing to you here, but I’m 100% sure he would want me to pass to you his love and admiration if he did. I know he’s thinking of you, along with many others.
Your wit and your warmth still shine, and whenever it’s my time to go, I hope I can do it with such grace and dignity. Please rest assured we’ll keep your legacy alive. Let your flight on the Birds’ Path be a happy soaring, and as for the other end - who knows? Peaceful rest? New adventure? Soon you will know. So spread your wings and fly with the Swan with no fear and free of pain!
I feel privileged to have known you, even if only for a (too) short time. I wish you a safe and peaceful flight, as have the other Minnions whose lives you have touched with sparkles. ww62
Hey, one of my paternal grandfather's grands was run out of Ireland (County Cork) for sheepstealing (I've always assumed for failing or getting caught at it)!
I will sing you on your way, and think of you whenever I see a tree, play with my cats, or read SSSS. You are and always will be a treasure, of this world and all others!
Joy of flight to you!
-Buteo
Blast it, Rachel - Oblivious me didn't realize it was this advanced. I would have called earlier to at least tell you how much I looked forward to, and appreciated all your comments. I don't even know if this is too late... But I just want to say - you have LIVED, even while life was wriggling out of your grasp.
Hey, time to fly, instead of tottering on mortal legs!
Beginnings
-------------
I stop one moment, standing on the threshold,
Looking forward. No light falls there,
No dawning glow or glittering star
Shines in the distance, no dark-lit warmth
From a tunnel’s entrance, as told by those
Refused entry at the final gate.
Why do I stop? I stand one moment
Gathering my self, separating truth
From all I leave – from long anguish,
From faded sight, from sound, from taste,
From panicked touch picking the coverlet,
From a world I knew – to a new wonder.
I stop one moment, steadying myself,
Lest I go gently when I would jump to joy.
You are an inspiration to me, Rachel, and to so many other Minnions - and you always will be.
You truly are a wonderful writer and I wish so much I could put down my thoughts as you do. I hope you see this before you leave us.
I have deep and abiding memories of times with your family and I'm sorry where we live has separated us for so many decades. But when you posted about Dursey Island, it brought out the incredible connection that family always has. It has long lived in my imagination as THE family place I had to go to. That was fueled by my father, and your father, and Uncle David and Uncle John. When Patricia and I planned our trip to Ireland, we used your father's notes and brochures and newspapers he had brought back from Ireland, as well as Uncle David's letters from his trip. We didn't want to miss out on any knowledge that would make our trip complete. When we got to the O'Sullivan castle ruins and then, on the most magical day of our lives, walked the length of Dursey Island, the tears flowed knowing all the family members who had lived there, traveled there or tried to step onto that shore. It was so much more beautiful than we had ever imagined. I carried everyone in the family in my heart that whole day.
Thinking about all of this on the day you will commence a new journey, our family's interest (obsession) with finding that island all just seems a metaphor for life. Your parents had an incredible faith that always inspired me. They also questioned everything and would leave no stone unturned to find answers in life. You seem to have continued on in those traditions. I don't have any explanation for why you have had ten times the challenges than most people. Whatever answers you have found, it is clear they have led you to be the kind of person who could suffer with endurance, grace, and wit and use even her last energy to ensure care for her husband. I'm humbled. Reading the other comments here, you've also spent your life making other people's lives brighter with your imagination and creativity. How very Irish of you!
I think you are going to a place that is more beautiful than any of us can ever imagine. Where answers to life's mysteries either will be given or they won't matter any more. Where any love you gave out in life will be returned to you a million fold. I've had a few times in life God has pulled back the curtain and showed me what that beautiful place will be like when we reach it. I love that you will be finally be free of frustration, fear, and pain! Go in grace and thank you for inspiring me. Love, Cindy