Hey Guys-
Just a short note today to let you know how things are progressing in my life.
First, thank you to everybody who has shared your prayers and thought here in MTM and in the over 2,000 emails I’ve received from all over the world. You have truly touched me and many of your emails were read to Sheryl - she loved them.
Second - thank you for allowing me the space to take care of Sheryl and my family all the way to the end. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate that.
And finally, for those of you who have taken it upon yourself to keep things “Movin’” in MTM Land - thank you. You know who you are… and so do I.
As I’ve moved through this process, I’ve had time to think.
While Sheryl’s passing almost two weeks ago was tragic - after spending 28 1/2 years how could I be anything but grateful to have found her.
In all our years together, if you saw one of us - you saw both of us.
In every way we were best friends and soul mates and preferred to spend our time together - usually talking about everything under the sun.
Sheryl was “the softer side of me” and a ready listener, always willing to let me bounce things off her and share in my and our dreams.
In the weeks leading up to Sheryl’s passing we talked for hours and hours. In doing so I was able to get to know her at an even deeper level while helping her prepare for her transition. Most days you would find me asking “How are you feeling”? In the beginning she would say, “I’m sad” - which broke my heart.
But as time went on and we talked through the inevitable outcome, she would say, “It’s a bummer”. That was the Sheryl I knew.
It was amazing to watch her find her “voice” and begin to teach anyone who walked through the door.
In our many conversations she covered everything possible and left nothing to chance. Then one day she said, “what are you going to do when I’m gone”?
I found the question to be strange so I gave the first answer that came to mind. “As far as I’m concerned WE had plans… and since I am part of that WE… I’m going to do just what WE planned”. That made her smile.
Sheryl’s passing was peaceful, she was at peace and had spiritually transformed herself into the angel we all knew she was. You could almost see her growing wings.
I’m blessed that we had time and I was able to fullfull a promise made years ago when I said I would love her forever and when time came, if she went first, I would carry her across the final threshold just like I did the first on our wedding night. While a bummer, it was an honor to help her cross over to the land of light and love.
Yes - this is a bummer - but life does go on.
With her passing, life will be different since I’ve never lived alone and never lived without a relationship in my life. While I find myself suffering the occasional “bummer” episode and will for years to come, our constant and never ending learning and sharing has installed the strength and tools in me that will allow me to live life like never before and I find myself as excited now as ever.
One more thing -
I’ve missed a few shows and had planned on staying quiet until the end of the year. That however has changed.
We had a wonderful “Celebration of Life” this past Saturday attended by well over 100 folks from all over the place followed by a huge reception. It was a beautiful and fitting service that inspired all who attended. My plan is to share more details on Sheryl’s final journey and her celebration in an inspiring holiday broadcast sometime this week.
We as humans are always transitioning. Transitions in life sometimes come easy, but more often not. I myself am in a transitioning phase right now, digging deeper inside myself, the relationships in my life and discovering how to be the ‘best me’ possible.
