"Gone From My Sight"

Dear friends,

Trish here posting again on Lisa's behalf.

I have to share some news with you,

that to many will come as a shocking surprise. 

(pictured above: Lisa's swing)

Our amazing Lisa has had to endure a fast yet courageous battle with cancer. 

A very aggressive ovarian cancer that took over her body in under three weeks.

I had to say goodbye to our sweetheart Sunday; and along with John, family and friends, we watched her transition into her heaven.  I am so very grateful to have been by her side for the last few days of her life.  I talked to her for hours, cried, and told her how much we all loved and appreciated her.  She passed away gracefully and peacefully, just as she wished.

I know I am not alone in grieving, and instantly missing her incredibly passionate and loving presence.  She had so many gifts that she shared with us, and wanted to be able to tell you this story in her own words.  We will always remember her laughter, her beautiful posts and comments, and her ever-present sunshine.  I know I am not alone when I say we will miss everything about her.

There is so much more to be said and shared in the days and weeks ahead.  

I read this poem the night before she left us, 

which beautifully captures Lisa's transition into her new life. 

"Gone From My Sight"

I am standing upon the seashore.

A ship, at my side,

spreads her white sails to the moving breeze

and starts for the blue ocean.

She is an object of beauty and strength.

I stand and watch her until, at length,

she hangs like a speck of white cloud

just where the sea and sky come to mingle with each other.

Then, someone at my side says, "There, she is gone..."

"Gone where?"

Gone from my sight.

That is all.

She is just as large in mast, hull and spar

as she was when she left my side.

And, she is just as able to bear her load

of living freight to her destined port.

Her diminished size is in me - not in her.

And, just at the moment when someone says, "There, she is gone,"

There are other eyes watching her coming,

and other voices

ready to take up the glad shout:

"Here she comes!"

And that is dying.....

- Henry Van Dyke

***

We love you, our angel. 

Thank you for everything, and for allowing us to share in your wonderful life. 

We know you are swinging in the heavens now, and will watch over us forever.

With eternal love, your BFF,

Trishy

Please keep John and the family in your prayers. 
I will have an update shortly with information for those interested in donating to a special cause benefiting animal rescue, founded by Lisa and John. 

Music:  "Imagine" John Lennon

Images via