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May 16, 2016
Thinking of you today my kindred Keiya! Your love and light are still abundant!! Miss your words of kindness and love my survivor sister! Until we meet again! :)
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April 10, 2015
Laurie/Keiya gave me a very generous tour of her permaculture project in Peoria. Even though I only talked to her a couple times after that, I felt her deep connection to the universe. Some people form very deep ripples with their presence. I'm glad she has rejoined the light.
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September 14, 2013
A lyric & a love, in the cool night air
I leave the windows
open / for her to
dance on in -
At least that's
what I'm hoping /
She left too soon,
Again
It seems my arms
are empty -
& yes, the room
is too:
I leave the
window open,
sweet dancer,
just for you .
There, she's
dancing in the eastern sky
tween moon &
morning star -
Venus smiles out loud-
Sunrise in the
heart.
The spiders floating
on the wind /
the bunnies
in the street
Tell me she's dancing here,
dancing without feet.
Dancing free
Laughing loud
Smiling as she goes /
Spinning round and round,
Laughter to her toes.
I leave the window open,
for her to dance on in -
At least that's what I'm
hoping /
She left too soon again.
Sweet dancer,
Come on in.
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July 26, 2013
Oh, Keiya.... Well, I guess I will say that you brightened the dismal days of the place I felt very awkward in for a very long time. I remember our times at Discovering Wellness and at first feeling like I didn't belong working there after working in the restaurant business for quite awhile. But somehow the way we hit it off made me feel like you saw the innate light in me, too. And the way I could have an impact on people by just being myself. That was my favorite thing about you. You were always yourself and didn't care what someone thought about us laughing so loud and hard before your appointments. You taught me to love my crazy curly hair even though I always wanted to pull it back. You taught me about patience through our conversations about my previous cat Mewford. You were a wonderful person and still are a beautiful spirit. I wish we could have been great friends, but I think somehow we still can because I think of you and see you when I take my walks and look at the sky. Thanks, Keiya. You were and will always be one of a kind!
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June 08, 2013
Such a wonderful remembrance of Keiya. We felt with you in spirit and we were able to honor Keiya by leaving some of her along the Amalfi coast in Italy a few feet above a trail known as the Path of the Gods. She has a view of the deep blue Tyrrhenian Sea below and mountain peaks all around. Keiya touched us all so deeply and beautifully. We feel so blessed to have been with her in this life.
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May 13, 2013
I wish I could have joined in the celebration gathering for Keiya. Pat has filled me in on the beautiful details. I just finished listening to "Spirit in the Sky". I was chair-dancing, wearing a huge smiles, thinking of Keiya and the family the entire time. Oh Glory Day!! It was a blessing to meet Keiya and the family. And, it was a privilege and honor to care for her. Peace, blessings and love to you all.
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May 11, 2013
The Permaculture community through which we met Laurie will certainly miss her. Yet we know her contributions will live on. She was an early inspiration for us in Earth Care, People Care and Fair Share -- ethics that she lived and demonstrated deeply. Thank you Keiya! We love you. Blessings to family and friends.
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May 11, 2013
Dear Winkler Family & Friends
Our Thoughts, Hearts & Blessings are with you today as you Honor & Celebrate Keiya's Life & Spirit.
With much LOVE
Biff & Karen
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May 09, 2013
A Tribute to Keiya
I had the pleasure of getting to know Keiya while I was taking care of my dad and staying with
Jo when I came into town, her comforting words and just being around her gave me a sense of
peace that everything would work out as it should, she showed me the spiritual side of life and there was such calmness about her, for she was a girl, wise beyond her years.
The biggest impact she made on me is when she came to my Dads service when he passed and there was such a comfort knowing she was there with me and it was all going be ok. The first thing she said to me was good energy colors I was wearing turquoise blue and dark brown, which I refused to wear black.
She sat with me during the dinner and the conversation was so very pleasant and so very comforting to me, then she also spent time with my family who was in town when Jo had us over for dinner the next day with a delicious spread of food. Everyone really enjoyed her for her presence was so much needed at that time for me and my family.
I will remember that tall thin beauty of a girl with big beautiful blues eyes and that presence matched by no other and never forget that extraordinary spiritual being. She touched my life in many ways and it was an honor to have known her.
Rest in peace sweet child, may your transition be a smooth one, your work is done in this life, and your rewards are to come.
Bless you little angel, in love & light.
Diana
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May 09, 2013
My beloved darling, how lucky I was to have had/ have you as a friend. Never had I felt so understood by anybody. You always helped me to see myself better, and it was always healing to be around you. Your wisdom was true nourishment. Thank you for helping me laugh at myself! And for just laughing with me. Thank you for your devotion, your caring, and your serving others. Thank you for pointing towards forgiveness. The space in my heart now...a canyon... this is where you live and will continue to live. May we all find our way back to what nourishes us.
Love to the all the Winklers- Joanne, Tim, Shelly and Lindsay. And love to all her friends.... and in turn to our human family. Daria
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May 08, 2013
Keiya was a beacon in this world. Filled with Love, Grace, Beauty and Playfullness she didn't leave one heart untouched. Such wisdom poured out of her like a spring. I am forever grateful for her friendship.
Keiya will always be in my heart. I still feel her and hear her laughing. Now it seems I hear her laughing even more. Now that she is flying freely with the angels seeing God's play.
Thank you sister for all the special times we shared together.
And dear Joanne and family, may your heart find peace in the ecstasy she is now.
With all my heart
Erika
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May 03, 2013
Dear,Winkler Family
May the peace that comes from the memories of love shared comfort you now and in the days ahead .
May the sorrow you feel in your heart lighten by the love that surrounds you.
Our deepest condolences on the loss
of your loved one.
The Jesion Family
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April 29, 2013
Jo Anne and family, I was honored to have met and cared for Keiya as she ended her journey on this earth that she so dearly loved. I loved hearing her life's stories from family. Her talent, her free spirit, her loving heart, the funny stories, the laughter - she obviously touched so many and was a gift to all who knew her. I will always remember her for her love of angels, soft blankets, and the color white. Fly high with the angels Keiya! May your new journey be as meaningful as your earthly journey was! Pat
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April 28, 2013
Keiya, was a huge lover of life in every form possible...whether that be people, animals or plants, only to name a few. She was also a lover and believer in the afterlife. I would like to share just one of my memorable moments as I reflect and admire her natural compassion and respect for all things being.
One day, in conversation, she remembered that she should tell me about the freshly turned soil that I may soon discover on the side of my house. I believe it was only mentioned because she did not want me to worry. Keiya then continued to tell me that there was a squirrel that she found on my street that someone had run over and it may have been there for awhile. She then proceeded to break into my garage, find a shovel, dig a hole, gently pick up the squirrel and give it a proper burial. A prayer was then said by her to validate a life lived.
What I did not realize was that this is something she did often. Respecting life in addition to the afterlife...of a squirrel, that hundreds of people either did not see or made a choose to look the other way. That is just one of my many memories of her kind and gentle loving heart!
Shell
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April 25, 2013
Dear JoAnn, Winkler Family, Our deepest sympathy in your difficult time. We are sending you love, Nadezda and Aleksandar
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April 25, 2013
Dear Keiya, We will miss your sunshine personality, your heartwarming smile, but we will cherish all that forever. Nadezda and Aleksandar
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April 25, 2013
Was saddened to hear of your loss Shelley, hope you and your family take care, will say a special prayer for you all.Sincerely and in friendship Val Zuercher
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April 24, 2013
As a freshman at Woodruff I remember seeing Laurie (she was a senior) walking down the hall way ahead of me her long braid down her back, she was so tall her head stood above the crowd. (Angela was probably walking right next to her, but I just couldn't see her.) I never could have guessed then how our lives would become entwined. She lived so fully and she is an inspiration. Life is not what you are given it is what you make it. I remember thinking she was crazy when she turned the yard into the garden. What a beautiful transformation. She taught me so much. I have many wonderful memories. Keiya will always be in my heart. Love, Kate
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April 24, 2013
I met Keiya through the Afro-Brazilian dance, capoeira and we spent many weekends traveling and training capoeira together in Iowa and Illinois. She also showed me her incredible gardens. The last time I saw her was in Madison, Wi around 6 years ago and I remember playing capoeira with her in the park. I feel so blessed to have known her and been able to share so many wonderful moments with her in deep conversation, laughter, and movement. I miss her and know she is in god's loving care.
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April 24, 2013
Thoughts and prayers may not fully convey our condolences to/for the Winkler Family.
We hope that you feel Keiya's warm embrace, that you hear her laughing spirit, and that the memories of your lives together continue to light up dark hours. Best to you all, Evan & Marianne Plummer
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April 24, 2013
Laurie, blessings on your continued journey home. In you I have seen the beautiful soul and being so available in all of us. From you I learned more about courage and experienced a peacefulness that I draw upon in my own moments of uncertainty. I will remember our times together as joyful and uplifting and, most of all, full of play and dance. Peace my friend. Thank you. -- Seth
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April 23, 2013
I walked into Roger Baril's house one day in Paonia, Colorado, and there was Keiya Dancer. She said she had prayed that morning in meditation and was open to receive whomever was coming to her that day. We were immediate friends, laughing and giggling like little girls who had known each other forever. There is no distance in the spirit and we were so open hearted that she and I became so close. She shared unconditional love on such a deep level. A remarkable being so full of LoveLight, truly a blessing to anyone in her presence. She is a gift of Divine Angelic beauty sent to us!!! She invited me to go to the opening ceremony of the Tibetan Buddists in Hotchkiss one Sunday. There our egos were so shattered that all I could do was drive home, My teacher, sister, friend, YOU LIVE ALWAYS IN MY ETERNAL HEART! Suffer no more my Darling Keiya, as you dance into ETERNITY! I cannot think of you without a smile on my lips and in my heart! May Peace Be With You ALL! Sekar Eartheart
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April 23, 2013
Dear Winkler Family,
My family and I are deeply moved for your loss, please accept our condolescenses and may the love of the universe give you strength and acceptance during these difficult times.
Respectfully yours,
Maureen Vargas & Family
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April 23, 2013
We will hold her dear in our hearts-her smile, her bright blue eyes, her amazing spirit, her kind, kind heart, her sense of humor, her lovely, lovely being!
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April 23, 2013
JoAnne, I just learned of your daughter's passing and I wanted to express my sincere sympathy. I wish I would have known her because she truly sounds like an amazing daughter and person! I know she is in heaven looking down on you and helping you get through this difficult time! My thoughts and prayers are with you! Rosetta Matarelli and daughter Diane Bussman
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April 23, 2013
JoAnne, Shelly, Tim Lindsay:
Thoughts of Keiya bring so many happy memories.
I remember the holiday and summer cookouts at Lindsay and Jonathan's place and all the smiles and laughter she brought in our lives. While it's going to be very difficult to think of our world without her it is a happy thought knowing that wherever she is, she is spreading happiness.
I cannot imagine what you're going through and how hard this must be for you all.
We will continue to have our cookout and always remember Keiya.
My heart goes to you and your family.
Love
Margaret Domanus
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April 23, 2013
What a beautiful and talented person. The heavens are smiling for having such a dear sole. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. God bless
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April 22, 2013
I took this photo of her beside the waterfall in Colorado 2 1/2 years ago. -So many memories with Keiya. She was truly a rare human being. She was so full of idealism. From her heart of care for the world. She practiced being present so much. In the moment. Keiya was authentic. A straight shooter. She told you her mind. And let her emotions, love most of all, flow freely. She loved to be playful. Childlike. She loved to dance. She was very athletic. She played fantastic tennis. Basketball. And she loved to walk in nature. Doing tea with Keiya was like prayer. Like so many things with Keiya were; like prayer. She had a way with loving plants. Gardens. Her salads were a work of art. Keiya influenced and deeply affected most everyone who met her with her qualities of stripped down authenticity, simplicity, spiritual presence, and the light that shined through her. My daughter, Lyla loved her. She gave much of her jewelry to Lyla when she was 8 years old. Lyla put all of it on at once and ran out to show her friend. Keiya opened my heart and soul. We laughed and cried together. She had a great sense of humor. I think she will be greatly missed by all who are here and knew her. I can not describe the emotions i have felt this last few weeks and in her passing. My tears are not so much sadness. But great honor. Grief. But with such a realization of Keiya's soul. She will live on in my heart for always. Roger Baril
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April 22, 2013
My beautiful Keiya, your spirit lives on in all of us. You had sûch a way with words. Your poetry was beautiful. Your whole being was beautiful. You will b missed deeply. No more pain, no more cancer. Where you are, you are blessing the angels with your kindred spirit, how lucky they are!!!! With love, Jodi
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April 22, 2013
My beautiful Keiya, your spirit lives on in all of us. You had sûch a way with words. Your poetry was beautiful. Your whole being was beautiful. You will b missed deeply. No more pain, no more cancer. Where you are, you are blessing the angels with your kindred spirit, how lucky they are!!!!
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April 22, 2013
What a beautiful spirit!
My heart goes out to the Winkler family!
Much love,
Gayla Winter
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April 22, 2013
Jo Ann, Lindsey and all the Winkler Family: My sympathy to all of you at this difficult time. My thoughts and prayers are with you. - Mary Ann Carter
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April 22, 2013
My sympathy to all the family especially to grandma Vera Simon. - Polly Kelly (Hofacker)
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April 22, 2013
We are going to miss Keiya's beautiful smile and spirit. She was a joy to see every week at the market. Keiya's devotion to our farm was greatly appreciated. God has a special place for her as she lived her life caring for His creation. Our deepest sympathy and love...Brandi,Ellie,Spohie and everyone at Garden Spot Vegetable Farm.
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April 22, 2013
I love Laurie, I love Keiya! I love all the time we spent together. I love her joy and her peace. I have treasured memories of spontaneous dancing together. A special thank you to her mother for bringing her into this world and sharing her with us. All my love. xoxo - Angel Hayes
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April 22, 2013
I met Keiya at the IL Cancer Center.She was in our cancer support group.She was very spiritual and I enjoyed listening to here talk about her love for the earth and natural healing.She will be greatly missed. - Barbara Belt
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April 22, 2013
I was blessed to meet Laurie and be in her company only a few times about ten years ago. It was at a Global Village yearly meeting and potluck...just a small gathering at Forest Park Nature Center, friendly and happy. I remember there was a little music being played during dinner, and Laurie and a friend just spontaneously got up and danced together...feeling the gentle music and letting her happiness and self come out. Talking with her...she just seemed true and wise, and soft spoken, and really about people. Another time she invited folks into her extraordinary urban garden, to let us learn and experience what can be. It was a wonderful creation, such a mindful and fruitful labor. And then there was a summer solstice party, a celebration of the heavens and the summer earth, but mostly it was giving people a gift of togetherness. I didn't know Laurie very well, but I will remember her and how she lived. She has affected me. I'm sad that she has passed on, and extend my condolences to you, her family and dear ones.
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April 22, 2013
I remember Laurie as a friend from high school where we often played tennis under the lights at Glen Oak Park. She was a friend of my brothers and I and hung around the same crowd. She ALWAYS had a personality that was so admirable. Full of laughs, hugs, and a warming personality. I have lost touch with her and most everyone from high school. I am sadden to hear of her passing, but if her personality is still the same from 20 years ago, I think she'd be saying EVERYTHING'S OK. God Bless you Laurie and your entire family... Ironically enough, I am an owner operator truck driver that drives from Chicago to Seattle every other week in Semi that my wife and I have done up as a Breast Cancer Awareness show truck. It represents the women who had to fight it. I will drive it now with even more pride now than ever as a tribute to Laurie. God Bless- Christiaan Lawrence of Peru IL.
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April 22, 2013
What a bright light Keiya must have been! I'm sorry we did not know her well. Nonetheless, we want you to know that we support and love you. We are holding space for all of you in our hearts and thoughts. Ryan and Monica
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April 22, 2013
I met Laurie in in the early 1990's in Carbondale when we were both students at college. I was lost and really needed a friend. I never met someone my age that was so grounded and wise. I was enthralled with her spirituality and love for the earth, which shone through after just a few minutes with her. I spent a lot of time following her around so I could gain her insight and soak up her rays of sunshine. I am blessed to have known and learned from her.
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April 22, 2013
I truly admired Keiya as one of the wisest, thoughtful and loving human beings to grace this earth.
Early on "K" was her own person, truly independent. She didn't need to follow the crowd to win friendships ... she had a charisma that naturally drew people to her. Everyone that she touched knew Keiya could be trusted, would shoot straight and not sugar coat her opinions. She would validate your feelings, give her opinion and go on from there with that same care-free demeaner.
Many times in the past few years I had visited Peoria feeling sad, feeling that life was dealing me trial after trial and it was getting me down. After spending 15 minutes with Keiya my whole outlook and perspective of life had turned around 180 degrees.
She new her TRUE SELF and freely shared the path to discovering this peace and tranquility, giving joyful meaning to human existence.
Keiya is physically gone but her spirit resides in us all. She will be truly missed.
Lovingly, Uncle Gary
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April 21, 2013
I worked with Keiya for a few years at the wilderness program in Utah. I spent many hours driving around with her in the desert, and mountains. She was such an amazing, smart, witty, and beautiful woman. I learned so much from our conversations and I would consider her to be a dear friend. I will miss knowing that she is in the world making it a better place. Her unique and incredible spirit will be missed greatly. Spread your wings and fly beautiful lady.
Elessa XOXO
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April 21, 2013
My thoughts and prayers are with you, Joanne, and all of the family, too. I have known the Simon and Winkler families for many years. I was a classmate of Keiya's dad (Don Winkler) and a classmate of Keiya's uncle (Gary Simon). Joanne also went to school with my brother. I have many memories of this special family, but none as special as the memory I have of visiting with Keiya about 6 weeks ago. I will always, always remember the sun shining in her room; the way the room was decorated...just for her; and her very, very special smile. Most of all though, I will remember the love that was in that room. The love Joanne had for her daughter...doing everything she could to help her daughter and to make her life easier. The love Keiya's sister had for her...managing every detail to make sure everything was perfect for her. It is never easy to go thru a serious illness, but going thru it with the love that Keiya had from her family and friends was a special gift from above. Remember Keiya's smile and remember the love you all have for each other. I know Keiya is smiling at all of you now and thanking you for the love and care you gave her when she needed it the most. Love, Mary Ann Muller
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April 21, 2013
My heart is with all who loved Keiya. I knew her for less than two years, but she changed my life with her wisdom, unconditional love and joyous spirit. What a gift to the world! Thank you, Keiya, for your outer and inner work on behalf of us all. Your beautiful soul dances on to new adventures--but your shining light remains in our hearts. With love and gratitude, Susan
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April 21, 2013
Jo Anne and family, so sorry for the loss of such a wonderful and spirited person. I only knew Keiya during the end of her journey but she taught me so much about life and the true spirit of people. We had a discussion about her love of angels. May she fly freely on her big angel wings and be free of the pain and suffering. She was truly a blessing to know for such a short time and an honor to have taken care of in her journey through this life. Dee
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April 21, 2013
Jo Anne, I can't imagine the suffering Keiya went thro and as a family the loss all of you are feeling. You are in my thoughts and prayers everyday. Let me know how your doing Marie Harrison
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April 21, 2013
I only met Keiya one time, but I still remember her. Why? Because she immediately struck me as amazing. She had such a presence and a love that you felt instantly. She spoke with me about a project I was working on-such a gift for being present and motivating in another person's life. I am so sorry for your loss. The world just lost a wonderful soul, but I am sure she is dancing in the beyond. May you be comforted by your memories of her.
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April 21, 2013
Jo Ann, I am so sorry to hear about your precious daughter!
I just cannot believe it. I read her beautiful memorial. She is a gift to the world. She is so special! Jo Ann, she has the greatest Mom in the world. When I was at your home, I could feel all the warmth and love there! I am praying for all of your family. Bless you. Love, Beckie Maxwell
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April 21, 2013
Your soul is dancing without any feet. Free. Sweet. Silly as ever. You were the only person that could bring me to tears from pure laughter and joy. Your crazy giggles and playfulness echos in my mind. I will miss your big blue eyes, pig tails and flowing white skirts. - White Willow
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April 21, 2013
Keiya Dancer, aka Laurie Winkler, will be selfishly missed, but your life on this planet will be honored, rejoiced and shared, for generations to come.
You have taught me so much in this life. I'm excited for your next adventure, your mystical journey through the stars. I love you dear sister and will be watching for your signs that all is well. - Jonathan Domanus