For Crying Out Loud

Farewell Stephanie. "Many women have done valiantly, but thou excellest them all".
Heartfelt thanks to Nathan and Mara for beautifully communicating her passing.

I'd like to share some words from a poem by Isla Paschal Richardson. 'If I should leave you with whom I love, to go along the silent way, grieve not, nor speak of me with tears, but laugh and talk of me as if I were beside you there, and I'd come. I'd come, but could I find a way. But would not tears and grief be barriers? And when you hear a song or see a bird I loved, please don't let the thought of me be sad, for I am leaving you just as I always have. There are so many things I want still to do, so many things to say to you, but remember that I did not fear, it was just leaving you that was hard to face. We cannot see beyond, but this I know, I loved you so, twas heaven here with you.'

forgive the transcription error; the line should read "I am loving you as I always have".

Isis, Vicky and I just wanted to say Thank You, we love you.

Thank you for taking the time to keep us all informed.
My best thoughts and prayers are with you all. You are a great family.

Thank you for sharing your journey with your mom and for keeping us informed. Take good care of each other... and take it slow.
With heartache & gratitude,
L. in CT

I think of Stephanie and her witty words of wisdom often, she is the maternal voice of my conscience. The greatest gift I could offer her is to follow her lead and mentor others as she mentored me. Thank you Stephanie. I love you.

As I read Stephanie's posts on Leroy's blog, I admired her steadfast courage, her humour and her forthrightness. I only hope if I have to take the road she did, I can do so with the dignity and strength she showed.

I will always hold the Dornbrooks up as an example of a family that truly loved learning. I remember when they would fight over who would help me with my homework. Stephanie was such a huge part of my life growing up. I'm sorry, I just don't know what to say, but I will pray for the advancement of her wonderful spirit in the Abha Kingdom.

Now that I have time to think about it, I feel so sick right now. I really miss you, Stephanie. I never called you mom, but that's how I felt about you. I find myself slipping calling Dustin, "dad". I'm always trying to live up to your standard and find myself coming up short and am so disheartened and heartbroken-- even though I know we had much more time than expected with you. I felt it unnecessary to confess anything on your deathbed or your eulogy, I always knew that you knew: I love your daughter and you very much. Liam will never be allowed to forget you.

Dear Stephanie,
I said many prayers in the House of Worship in Wilmette the morning of your passing. I am sorry I could not be nearer. I shed tears for your family's loss and celebrated your life, praying for your continued journey. I hope that you were able to hear me and that you always knew how I loved you for being such a loving "mother" to me when I was seeking the Baha'i Faith. I remember the conversations you and I would have in the Women's Center at Lakeland and the many times I would spend in your home with Dusty and Mendon too. You and your family were so warm and welcoming as I asked questions and sought comfort during that tumultuous time of my life. Those times will be in my heart forever, and I will always hold you and your family dear. Dear Stephanie, I always admired your elegance and your tact, and your youthful enthusiasm for life's experiences. I hope that I can become such a woman as you have. I pray you and your family forgive me for losing touch, but I believe on the spiritual level, we never really do. And so, I will continue to think of you often and whisper thanks to God for letting us meet each other. Many blessings on the Dornbrook family.

Sincerely,
Charlene Dadd

I have read these loving messages over and over and over this year. The tears flow each time and I rejoice that Stephanie and I could share our life and love with all of you.