Remembering Lisa, Three Months

(Images via Stephanie Rausser)

Hi friends,

Hard to believe it, but it has been three months today since Lisa left us for heaven.  I've been thinking alot about her lately, and how much I miss her, and I know so many of you do as well.  She brought such light and joy to all she touched in our blogging community.  She loved her blog friends dearly, we were like family to her, ladies she could share her heart and spirit with (and of course her token male readers whom she loved as well!)

The lovely Gi Gi at Going Glam with Gi Gi published the most beautiful post last week here.  Breaking the Wordless Wednesday rules - she would love it!  Please take a moment and read it, it will make you smile.

We all miss her spunky spirit, her beautiful taste in fun and fashion, and most of all her kind words and comments.  I thought this might be fun...check your emails and come back in the comments section here, and leave your favorite Bumpkin comment.  You know you had more than one that had you in stitches with giggles, or made your heart smile on a day you needed it most!  

I think it would do us all good to read them and celebrate our dear friend.

What do you think - will you join us? :)

Hugs and love always,

Trish 

xoxo 

P.S.  I think Lisa would entitle these photos, "Fly, Fly, Fly!"

One Month.

Dearest Friends of our Bumpkin on a Swing,

Today it has been one month since Lisa left us for heaven. 

I know we all miss her terribly, and feel a huge sense of void in our lives and in our hearts.  The outpouring of love and tributes that you all posted were such a beautiful testimony to the precious and kind soul that Lisa was and always will be.  Captain John absolutely loved and appreciated the words, pictures, thoughts, quotes, and stories of Lisa that so many of you shared.

Lisa held such a special place in my heart.  Not a day goes by that I don't miss picking up the phone to call her, to girl talk about anything and everything, or to tell her about something I saw that reminded me of her that day....a fabulous pair of shoes, a beautiful sunset, a special ladybug that crossed my path or a field of "wish and blow" flowers...she especially loved those.  The song playing today, "Free" by Zac Brown Band...this is the song that Lisa and John were going to have as their first dance as a married couple.  I get chills every time I hear it. 

My heart and prayers continue to go out to her beloved Captain John and her family and friends, especially her beautiful nieces and her "Back Porch Crew."  If you're still reading this, I am eternally grateful that I got to be physically there with Lisa in her last days, to see that sweet twinkle in her eyes and hold her hands.  I am happy I could have been there to hug, cry, and remember all that made her so wonderful with each of you during the days after she passed away.  Thank you for making me feel at home among her relatives and "chosen" family, as she referred to her closest friends.

We know Lisa left us all too soon, to a horrible disease that I pray we will find a cure for.   Her dear friend Lori from Wildflowers published a wonderful post last week.  After reading it and speaking with Lori, I thought today, on the one month anniversary of her passing, it was all too fitting to re-post it here.

 "Color Me Teal" by Lori, Wildflowers

September is National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month,
and the color that represents Ovarian Cancer is Teal.

Ovarian Cancer, known as the "Silent Killer," is the leading cause of death from gynecologic cancers in the United States and is the fifth leading cause of cancer death among U.S. women. The American Cancer Society estimates that 21,880 women will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer in the U.S. in 2010 and about 13,850 women will die from the disease. It is an insidious disease that can strike without warning or cause.

The symptoms of ovarian cancer are often vague and subtle, making it difficult to diagnose. There is no effective screening test for ovarian cancer but there are tests which can detect ovarian cancer when patients are at high risk or have early symptoms.  Until we have better early detection tools, all women should be educated about the disease so they can achieve early diagnosis and successful treatment. A woman’s lifetime risk of ovarian cancer is 1 in 67. Listen to your body. Do not ignore symptoms.

The Ovarian Cancer National Alliance, the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition (NOCC), the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund (OCRF) and the Gynecologic Cancer Foundation (GCF) teamed up to spread awareness of the four symptoms of ovarian cancer, and the flyer can be seen here.

Here comes the fun part, and how you can help!  Lori alerted me to the organization, "Teal Toes," which promotes awareness to the symptoms of ovarian cancer.

From the press release:

"Women - and men! - are painting their toenails teal during September. Why? To raise awareness of Ovarian Cancer in order to save lives. Teal Toes encourages people to paint their toenails teal, the color of Ovarian Cancer Awareness, during September, Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month.


"Painting toenails teal, the Ovarian Cancer color, starts the conversation about the signs of this whispering killer," said Carey Fitzmaurice, founder of Teal Toes and a four year survivor of Ovarian Cancer. "The conversation can save lives. Women diagnosed at an early stage have a much higher five-year survival rate than those diagnosed at a later stage. Fewer than 20 percent of Ovarian Cancer patients are diagnosed early."

We know how Lisa was so passionate about causes near and dear to her heart, and I think that she would just love this one.  Lori got the party started by getting her toes painted teal over the weekend, and I went for my teal pedicure yesterday afternoon, and dedicated my Wordless Wednesday to all things teal today. 

Join us, won't you? 
Become a fan of "Teal Toes" on Facebook, where you can post a picture of your own teal toes as a tribute to Lisa, and help spread the word!

Special kindness to Lori for the beautiful inspiration for this post,
and love to all of Lisa's family and friends;
she is truly forever in our hearts.

We love you and miss you angel,
xoxo
Trish

"Perhaps they are not the stars, but rather openings in Heaven,
where the love of our lost ones shines down to let us know they are with us."
-Unknown

My toes are teal in support of National Ovarian Cancer Awareness!

Wordless Wednesday Linkup

This week's linkup is below...

...check back later today for a very special post for our Lisa.

xoxo,

Trish

A Giveaway Honoring Lisa

(Image by Robyn)

Our dear friend Robyn from Life by Chocolate,

who posted a lovely tribute here, 

is hosting a giveaway in honor of Lisa. 

As Robyn so beautifully said,

"Lisa was completely unselfish. I think she’d like this. In fact, I think she’s say: “Tink!”

Here’s hoping to lift spirits, and raise cancer awareness, in support of those afflicted by this horrid disease."

Please take a moment and visit her thoughtful giveaway here.

We love you Lisa,

xoxo

Trish

Wordless Wednesday Linkup

As always, link up below for a wordless toast to our dear Lisa.

xoxo

Wordless Wednesday: Always in Our Hearts

As Lisa adored Wordless Wednesday, let's continue to celebrate in her honor.  Link is open below for those who would like to participate.  We love you and miss you angel.  You're always in our hearts.

xoxo,

Trish

(Button courtesy of MCW)

In Loving Memory

On behalf of Lisa's family and friends, thank you so very much for all the emails, calls and comments after her sudden passing.  Your words and kindness have been such a comfort, and the memories and tribute posts created in her honor have been so touching to read.  I've added a link below; if you could please link your post, so that the everyone, especially John, can click through and read them, I know it would be appreciated.   I've been asked to share her obituary below, which includes contribution information to a local charitable animal rescue fund, which Lisa and John founded years ago.

***

Lisa Gaye, 40, passed away on Sunday, August 8, 2010.  She was a resident of Ocean Springs, MS.

Lisa was accomplished at many things in her life, and loved very much by many.  She had so many talents, passions, and special abilities that affected all that knew her.  Most recently Lisa found a knack for writing, and had a blog that had many followers from all over the world.

She also was passionate about animal adoption and saving animals from the Gulf Coast Oil spill.

 Lisa had many jobs throughout her life, but her talents with leadership, organization, and compassion for others is what ultimately made her successful in any endeavor she pursued.

Lisa was special to so many people and was a very influential and loving person. She loved John, her “Captain”, very much and they shared many wonderful years together. Her memory will live on in our hearts forever.

Lisa's family and friends celebrated her life in a private gathering at her request.  In lieu of flowers, please donate any contributions to the “Alvin Flowers Fund” via the Ocean Springs Police Department.

Ocean Springs Police Department

c/o Animal Control Division

Attn:  Alvin Flowers Fund

503 Dewey Avenue

Ocean Springs, MS 39564

***

"Far away there in the sunshine are my highest aspirations. I may not reach them but I can look up and see their beauty, believe in them, and try to follow them."

- Louisa May Alcott

***

Family and friends gathered at the couple's home Wednesday evening for a Memorial service to honor and celebrate Lisa.  John made sure that everything was absolutely perfect, even a crystal chandelier in the backyard tent, fit for a queen.  There were some tears, but as Lisa would want it, there were plenty of smiles and hugs in memory of her joyous spirit. 

I personally met Alvin Flowers at Lisa's Memorial, the man for whom Lisa and John created the animal rescue foundation mentioned above years ago.  Alvin's selfless work in coordinating rescue efforts, particularly for dogs in the greater Gulf Coast region, has resulted in less than 1% of the animals rescued by the Police Department to be sent to animal shelters.  

As you may or may not be aware, John and Lisa lived with their "20 Paws of Love," five rescue dogs that melted their hearts daily, and this cause is one that they both passionately supported.

Captain John is staying very strong, and has promised to keep in touch.  He would like to personally thank each of your thoughtfulness, friendship and support of Lisa and her blog.

It is so obvious the number of people whose lives Lisa has touched.  I know I am not alone when I say that I am humbled, honored and above all extremely fortunate to have been known such a wonderful lady and amazing friend. 

We will continue to celebrate our angel in heaven, and will forever keep her memory alive in our hearts.

Love, kindness and peaceful wishes,

Trish

Obituary written by Lisa's nieces Sara, Teresa and Amber. 

(Images via)

***

"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

More hugs for Lisa

Our dearest Lisa needs some special hugs today, please join me in sending her some love...

See you soon my sweet friend.

Love forever,

Trishy