Commencement Speech As Eulogy

"Remembering that you are going to die is the best way ... to avoid the trap of thinking you have something to lose."

Kisses For Later

Many Islanders know this story better than I do, but I saw part of it last night on the news and was deeply moved by it.

As I understand it, Jenn Zahavich, young wife and mother, was diagnosed with cancer. She started a blog, and wrote about her battle and her new appreciation for life.

As her condition worsened, she wrote a children's story for her young son, and planned to publish it. The story is called Kisses For Later, and is about a mother who gives her son many, many kisses, which he can store in reserve. When he has "a hurt", he can take one and use it. She has read the story aloud many times to her son.

Jenn passed away 2 weeks ago.

I will be sure to provide a link to the book, once it becomes available.

CC

A Moment of Silence

My community back home lost someone very special recently.

I have been quiet. It feels wrong not to mention it, yet writing my thoughts seems inappropriate. She was not family, and yet is family to some readers of this blog. She was a mother and aunt to several kids on our road. She and her husband are among my parents' dearest, closest friends, and have been for 40+ years.

My condolences to anyone who knew her, for it is a sad time. Jean will be truly be missed.

Silence

When we were young, my family drove to the eastern side of the Island (aka Down East) every 2nd Sunday like clockwork.

There are many people down there who were massively influential in my youth.

We lost one yesterday.

My Uncle Donnie, father of Donald and Jeff, passed away after a long battle with diabetes.

He was a kind-hearted man with a hearty laugh and a sincere concern for others.

I have many stories and memories but this time they remain mine.