Fair One, I am aching more than I can describe for you and yours. I would give anything to be of some sort of assistance. The Blessing and the Curse of the internet is that we become close to a world wide community.. When we make friends, often they are far away and all we can offer is our thoughts. I offer you, Mark and the kids my thoughts of love, and of understanding as you walk this part of the trail.

If all of life is a lesson, then we need to understand that lessons and the gaining of wisdom are to prepare us for the next thing. And so it is now. These passages are from Anam Cara by O'Donohue.


Some nights stay up 'til dawn as the moon sometimes does for the sun.
Be a full bucket, pulled up the dark way of a well then lifted out into light.
Something opens our wings, something makes boredom and hurt disappear.
Someone fills the cup in front of us, we taste only sacredness.

and finally to Mark:

May you be peaceful and happy and in the presence of those who really care for you.
May your going be sheltered and your welcome assured.
May your soul smile in the embrace of your anam cara (soul friend)