Writing today with a last update and to “officially” close the Caring Bridge site. I have been dragging my feet to do this --- since it all feels so final – but it’s time.

When Shaun was first diagnosed with cancer back in the Fall of 2021 and we started communicating out to our friends and family about what was happening a few folks suggested starting a Caring Bridge. Shaun and I both hesitated, being pretty private people, to share such an intense and personal journey with such a broad audience. What we both quickly realized was that sharing our story might help someone else through a tough time and sharing our story allowed all of the people we care so much about to process through all of the information. To step in (or step out) as needed to both support us but also themselves as Shaun’s loss if felt across so many of his friends and family members.

It's surreal to think it’s been over four months since Shaun died. Moving forward isn’t easy – I don’t think anyone ever thought it would be. Within the last four months we were able to have wonderful days doing some of the things we all love, swimming and JEEP rides, we visited Acadia State Park, we went to Montreal, and visited the beach. Other days we are stopped in our tracks at the most random thing that sparks a memory of Shaun. With all the recent flooding in Vermont memories of when Shaun helped with the Irene recovery efforts have been present. I remember he spent many overnights down in the Rutland/Killington area helping to fix the roads and make them passable. He enjoyed being able to use his skills to help others.

We continue to honor Shaun by continuing to tell stories about our memories of him, most recently we were down in Connecticut visiting family and my mom paid for something using change and the kids both looked at me, and then back at my mom, and we all laughed. Shaun DESPISED paying with change for fear that he was holding someone up behind him. When we were in Maine recently the kids remembered when we were visiting family in Rangeley, and we all went out on the boat and Shaun decided he wanted to tube and wanted to see if he could be knocked off – never one to shy away from a challenge--- he held on for a long time but ended up submerged in the water. All of us laughed from the boat. As many have said throughout the last several months – Shaun left a big mark, and we are certainly thankful for the time we had together.

In May we hosted a Celebration of Life and over 300 people attended! When planning for food I had no idea how many people to account for – and this exceeded my expectations. I know I walked away from that day in awe, in sadness, but perhaps more importantly with the feeling of love and support. SO MANY people care about me and the kids and it’s so humbling to know that in the darkest and hardest days we are never alone. A whole tribe of folks made that day possible with thanks to Pat and Judy and their crew who handled all of the food, Courtney who was the mastermind behind the slideshow, Dan and Justin who wrote the most thoughtful and funny eulogies, Nikki for stepping up to read a poem, our amazing minister Joan and all of the behind the scenes folks, Tabitha, Gilles, Mossi, Matt, Gaib, Phil, Brad, Patty, Lynn, Erich, Lisa. (I hope I didn’t forget anyone!) A few pictures are below, with photo credit to Katie Jones.

In the spirit of continuing to honor Shaun, the family, led by Dan and Nicole have started a Golf Tournament. Good news is the tournament is sold out! On August 11th at the Barre Country Club 100 golfers will take the course to participate in the 1st Annual Shaun Corbett Memorial Golf Tournament. All proceeds will go to our Donor Advised Fund that will allow me and the kids to make out grants to organizations and causes Shaun loved. Our first grant will likely go out soon, to support some flood relief efforts. More to come on that during the tournament. If you would like to participate or support the Fund you can do so by coming to the dinner held after the tournament at the Elks in Barre. If you would like to join us (and we hope you do!) you can sign up to reserve a ticket here. https://corbettmemorialgolf.com/

If you would like to add to the Fund you can do so here. The gofundme page will be taken down after the tournament. https://www.gofundme.com/f/shaun-corbett-memorial-fund

I’ll end by saying thank you. The last two years of life have thrown us all for a loop. There have been some high highs and some low lows but through it all we have had each of you. Who knows what will happen next, but I know one thing for sure – I have a great support system by my side.

I read all the time and during these last few years I have jumped from books that are fun and light, to books about death and dying. One poem that stuck out to me that I seem to go back to often is this:

“I will miss seeing her face and hearing her voice and knowing she was always there close to me. She has crossed a river from me that I must wait to cross before I see her again. When I see a river, I will think of her.” – Terry Kay

My hope for everyone who loved Shaun is that the memories of him are alive in your heart and mind – don’t be afraid to talk about him, remember him in your own way and part of honoring him is to continue to live life to the fullest.

With all my love,

Emilye