Sharon Parish Memorial Fund

To All,

We are still waiting for Sharon's safe passage. Sharon has a way of doing what she wants in her own time and we see this may take more time.  Life and its mysteries ... seems there have been many in these last 14 days, doesn't it?

Someone is holding her hand always, as we take turns waiting.

There is something I want to convey now so you know the wishes of the family.

We prefer to not receive flowers.  Instead, if you wish, we would appreciate donations to the "Sharon Parish Memorial Fund" to help cover her hospital care, the coming funeral expenses and education for Lily at Waldorf and college.

Tomorrow, I'll post the specifics of how to send any donations you may choose to send (again in lieu of flowers) right after we finae the new bank account set up specifically for this purpose. Many thanks to Stacy Ehrlich for handling this in such a timely manner and taking the load off me.

I'll have specific information for you late Tuesday morning for the Sharon Parish Memorial Fund.

Appreciatively,
Tom and the family

Tinkerbell licking Sharon upon her return from one of her trips. Yup, she misses you, babe.

Comments

[Cathy Kennedy]

Tom

I can't believe it was only a few short weeks ago that you and Sharon were in my office together to pick up your tax return. I don't know why but you were both in such good moods that day - you both positively beamed. I remember thinking to myself what a beautiful couple you were and how lucky you were to be so happy together.

Sharon has always played a very special part of my tax seasons over the years. She was always bringing me food when she brought her tax information in - she was always so worried that I wouldn't take care of myself. And I can tell you, her little act of kindness at a time I am always under enormous stress, was so touching. I will never forget her thoughtfulness.

My thoughts are with you and your entire family.

Cathy Kennedy

[Barbara Boeing]

Tom, thank you for sharing so much of Sharon's journey, and your journey, with us. I returned from a week's vacation and read all of it, with tears and deep, aching heartache. Sharon is one of the most joyous, uplifting people I've ever met. It is an honor to hear about the enormous love and spirit surrounding her, and a reminder of the love and spirit and preciousness of us all. I hold you all dearly in my heart, I trust Life, I am so grateful to know Sharon, such a delightful spirit, strong warrior and loving woman.
Barbara Boeing, Knoxville

[Layne Naftis]

I LOVE Sharon Parish.

"This little light of mine, the gift you passed on to me;
I'll let it shine to guide you safely on your way,
Your way home...

Daylight dims leaving cold fluorescence.
Difficult to see you in this light.
Please forgive this bold suggestion:
Should you see your Maker's face tonight,
Look Him in the eye, look Him in the eye, and tell Him:
I never lived a lie, never took a life, but surely saved one."
- MJK

[Becca Lincoln]

I am still stunned. Beautiful Sharon. My mind is filled with memories of your smile, your gentle evoking voice, many moments of your generosity. I remember the first time I was on a team for a Life Training weekend and I kept watching you. I saw a sense of purpose and a tremendous outpowering of love. I decided, if this training could teach me to have more of these qualities, then it was worth continuing. Over the years, I have been reminded of your gentle ability to reach people.

My heart and prayers are with you and your family. I know you are surrounded by their love.

Love,
Becca

[Cristy Hunt]

Today is Memorial Day.

When I was a child, in my family it was a day to go to the cemetary and clean the gravesites as we heard the stories of those that we might not even remember. A way of passing down the family history.

In the culture of the town where I grew up, it was also a day to go to church, and for many of my friends to go to Mass. I remember going with them to Mass and experiencing the ritual. Lighting of the candles for those that have passed on before us, those that we have not seen for a while (often someone still in Mexico, for my friends), those that were ill, or someone that was facing a challenge in their life.

Today, I went to a Mexican store to buy tamales and a candle. I bought a Maria de Guadelupe candle. The miracle of Guadelupe was that the roses bloomed out of season, and that was the proof that the young man brought to the church so the priests would believe him. I guess I never realized how much the religious experiences of my youth affected me; for me it was time to light a candle. Our Lady of Guadalupe is sitting on my mantle to remind me of my prayers for Sharon. This is a perpetual candle that will burn for a week.

Every morning I will see it, every night, representing the light that I see in Sharon, the light she evoked from me, and the Light of Life that we all are part of. I have placed a pink rose that was gifted to me beside it. Pink roses seem terribly appropriate for Sharon.

Yesterday, I worried, I checked and checked the website to see if there were updates - truly agitated. Last night I slept and had many dreams. This morning I was at peace, but with a purpose to get my candle.

Sharon - TAG! You're IT! I will wait till I get splattered; and when I get it, I promise to pass it on. Everybody ought to get the opportunity to be spattered with a water balloon of love at least once.

Love You, Cristy

Cristy Hunt
Huntsville, AL

[Jill and Philip Nicholson]

Dear Tom and family:

Thank you for the update. I know the hours are emotional while Sharon is on her journey. May you be comforted by the support and love of God, family, friends, prayers and wonderful memories during this difficult time.

Thank you also for sharing about the Sharon Parish Memorial Fund.
We all want to help and this provides a very special and enduring way to remember Sharon and provide loving support.

Our continual love,

Jill and Philip

[Jonathan Singer]

Tom, Lily and Justin, I don't know what to say. My family was in for a great family reunion/memorial day weekend party. I hadn't read the entries since Thursday. The lifeshock moment for me was "Sharon Parish Memorial Fund."

I feel so sad for me and for you and for Sharon. I know I probably should be saying things like "this is all part of god's bigger plan" but I'm just not feeling/believing that right now.

I'm just kind of really sad. And the tears hurt a lot.

I wish I could do something to wake her up so she could luxuriate in all of the kind words that people have written; so she could hug Lily one more time; and see the man Justin has stepped into being through this; and love on Tom (who wins the "warrior husband" prize).

I know Kubler-Ross would have a few things to say where I am cognitively/emotionally. I suspect that Sharon would provide some amazing support for me right now - something about getting my "no" and going for my "yes."

Maybe I should say "yes" to the Memorial fund, as insignificant as that might feel right now.

With love, honor and respect - Jonathan.

[Bruce Mulkey]

Thank you for letting us know how we can support y'all, Tom. And thanks for allowing us to be a part of this vigil. I sit here with tears in my eyes remembering the blessing that Sharon has been for me--our meeting at the first WOW, our times at Bastrop FCI, the Saturday nights at your home and much, much more. The way you all warmly welcomed me when I first visited Austin, the way you included me in your family gatherings, was the primary reason I moved there in the early '90s. You truly were my surrogate family during a time when I was endeavoring to discover who I really was, endeavoring to discern my authentic path.

I really don't have the words to express the depth of my gratitude for Sharon, for you, for your family. I do know this: Sharon lives in my heart, and given the huge impact she's had on my life, she lives in the man I've become. And my guess is that there are many more who could say this.

Take care of yourself, my friend. I have a sense I'll be seeing you, Lily, Justin, Paul, Dreena, Gerry and everyone else soon.

With heartache and love,

Bruce