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