<p>Peace be with you, Sunrise, and with your beloved family as well. Your grace and courage have changed many worlds. We are better for having known you.</p>
<p>To andontino and any other IRL friends of sunriseeast and family - you are lifted up in our hearts, as well, as you join us in our vigil for “our” friend.</p>
<p>Thank you for sharing, sailingwest. Peace to you.</p>
<p>So, first I gave her an opportunity to speak with some of our closest friends. There was a lot of crying on our part. H was at peace. The first thing that I noted was her excitement when she got to hear the voice of our sons. Her face lit up and her eyes grew really big. It was clear that she was trying to say something but she couldn’t. I know, and they know, what she was saying to them. </p>
<p>Then, I started reading her email that came from IRL friends from near and afar. Ane when I was done with that, I read her some of the postings on her thread in CC. I went back a little bit in time, and then caught on to the present. Judging by the expression on her face, hearing your messages pleased her a great deal.</p>
<p>Sailingwest…not sure if you can feel it, but right now, you are being embraced by virtual Moms all over the country.</p>
<p>Sailingwest’s observation that his mom is “at peace and engaged” is uplifting to me. She continues to be a most remarkable woman, leading by example. I am honored to be included in this celebration of her life. Thank you.</p>
<p>sailingwest and sunrise’s2son, it is never easy to lose one’s mother, no matter how old we are. I lost mine at 15 and today I am 51 and still feel her loss. I am comforted that you have a remarkable mother who will be with you always, whether or not you are able to physically touch her. She has so much love for you two, and for your father, and I hope you will always be able to know that love she has for you.</p>
<p>261 candles from 8 countries so far…a fitting tribute…</p>
<p>andantino, I am marveling at the interconnection between “real” and “virtual” worlds. Yes, as you say, we are all “real”, though in different forms. </p>
<p>Perhaps this is a parallel to what happens after the soul leaves the physical body. I believe sunrise will be just as alive and real, though in a different form.</p>
<p>THE SUN NEVER SAYS</p>
<p>Even After All this time
The sun never says to the earth,
“You owe Me.”</p>
<p>Look What happens
With a love like that,
It lights the Whole Sky.
-Hafez</p>
<p>And sunrise’ own words served to light many of our spirits on these pages for the past two years. My prayers added to the beacon of her light, from here in MA.</p>
<p>Welcome to sunrise’s “real” friends. She has posted many times about your kindness to her.</p>
<p>Sending much warmth and love to Sunrise’s family and friends, both real and virtual.</p>
<p>Coldad, what a gift today that your family was able to share the remarkable love you (and all of us) have for Sunrise, and know hers for you. We lift you all up in our hearts.</p>
<p>coldad, I am glad you had this day of awareness with her. I am also glad that she was able to hear some of our words.</p>
<p>Sending thoughts and prayers to the family and friends of Sunrise. It is so difficult to watch you love in pain. Giving a virtual hug to a remarkable wife and mother!</p>
<p>Sunriseeast- We had the honor of meeting your dear husband and son1 today. They are as incredible as described. They are strong, articulate and kind. I think you have achieved what you set out to do in this thread and more. They share your humility and strength. I hope that you feel peace. Much love to you and your family. We will check in with them very often! PS. It was so nice to know that you were with son1 and son2 this weekend.</p>
<p>adantino, thank you for joining our vigil. I know this is not the party sunrise hoped to have in late January, but I am grateful that her family, friends and the CC community are here to celebrate her and to bring joy and comfort.</p>
<p>I lit my virtual candle earlier and then tonight at 10, my own DH and I sat outside by the fire and I lifted prayers for peace, for comfort, and of thanks for the light that we all had from our Sunrise. </p>
<p>I know this is a time of sadness because we will all miss her greatly. It’s a sweet sadness, though because somehow it seems to me that a life so well lived and with so, so much love is fittingly moving on in the company of many angels.</p>
<p>Candle lit, sending love</p>
<p>Peace and comfort to Sunrise and her husband and sons. Cancer is hard. Wrap yourselves in our love to keep warm through the journey.</p>