You, to me, are the epitomy of kindness. No one will ever know why sickness happens to the most unlikely as it did to your soul mate Lin-but I do know that her years were prolonged and enriched with the love you shared. It makes loosing someone even harder when the love runs so deep. One step at a time Derek, our beloved peacewalker. That is what you do for others and now we are wanting that peace for you. It will take time. Your journey has been amazing and Lin will always be a huge part of it. This trip will start the healing. This time is for you. Sending you love and prayers for your journey.
I feel so honoured, blessed, and touched that you and Lin chose to share your journey with all of us. It meant more to me than I could possibly put into words. The deep love you felt for each other made this world a much better place, and will continue to do so even though Lin has passed away.
Dear Derek, I am so grateful for your and Lin's willingness to share your journey. It really does remind me that we are all innocent souls, we are all connected.
I also know that you are not one to avoid the moment, no matter what the content of that moment. I honour your capacity and courage that supports you in whatever life holds for you. I know this courage and trust will see you through all that lies ahead.
I also know that sharing the most personal of life's journeys with someone you love is both a great gift and a great challenge. I only hope I will find the courage and willingness to face life and death directly when my time comes and that with good grace my partner will be there beside me, or me beside him, however it plays out. I send you so much love and wish you peace in knowing you did all any human being can do to demonstrate the willingness to love unconditionally and to be present with it's many forms.
with love,
Journal Entry Sixteen- June 25, 2009 by Derek
Over the past two years I've received a number of emails thanking me for sharing my journey so openly. Friends have told me how the journal has helped them with their own grief, and have asked if they can pass the site on to friends. So, I continue to write and share, and send my love and support to all who come here. We are not alone.
On May 24th, a small group of us placed a magical bench at Irvine’s Landing. We felt proud when the beautiful smooth and solid bench, handmade from yellow cedar, settled into the earth for the first time. We felt sadness as we took turns sitting and talking with Lin. We felt a deep connection as we placed our hands on that beautiful soft wood and caressed the place where buried deep inside are some of Lin’s ashes.
I think many of you knew that quiet, serene and soft spoken Doctor of TCM. But were you aware of her alter ego, the brash frizzy-haired aerobics instructor? For over twenty years at the YMCA, Lin bounced, strutted, yelled and encouraged people to move their bodies.
In true Lin style, we finished our quiet sacred moment with her, then turned up the music LOUD. We laughed and danced around that magical Lin bench, and with our arms outstretched to the sky, sang the words to “YMCA” from the Village People.
Remembering Lin
I sincerely hope your memories of Lin are as joyful as ours were on that special day.
Written in love and appreciation to all.