26 replies to this topic

[Neptuner]

This is one of those topics that I feel needs to be added, but it is so very difficult to do.

First and foremost, I would like to apologize to everyone, as I know I have been a little disconnected for the past couple of months... in fact, I didn't even get Christmas cards sent out this year... which is the first time in 20+ years. Although my musical life is blossoming beautifully, I have had some family challenges that have kept me very pre-occupied and unable to fully appreciate life and all of it's glory.

For those of you who remember, my sister Wanetta was battling breast cancer a few years back and she beat it quite victoriously, as they caught it very early on. Unfortunately, with the type of chemotherapy she received, there was about a 3% chance of the chemotherapy actually causing leukemia in her body... and in her case, it did. For the past year and a half or so she has been battling that terrible disease and on 12/19/08 we lost her. Being the caring person she was, she insisted that we wait to have her memorial service well after the holidays, so I just returned from her service this past weekend in Atlanta.

I'm telling all of you this not because I want you to be saddened or sympathetic, in fact quite the contrary. I made a promise to my sister that I would personally thank all of those people who shared their many thoughts and prayers with her, so that's what I wanted to do... I wanted to thank each and every one of you for your tremendous support. As always, your hearts are so big it warms my soul just thinking about what wonderful friends I have in my life. Wanetta was very grateful to everyone who took the time to pray for her, even when they didn't know her personally. She also wanted to remind each and every one of you that this is not the end, but just another step. She rejoiced in the fact that she will see all of you again someday.

I can honestly say that I have never seen anyone be so unselfish and unwavering as my sister was during her fight. Not one single time did she ever complain of her condition, her pain or her circumstances. She always encouraged others fighting cancer and downplayed her own accomplishments in the process. She always gave thanks to the Lord and accepted life as it came to her, grateful for every moment she had. Her memorial service was beyond a doubt the most beautiful and positive service I have ever attended. Of course I was sad... my family is very, very close and she was so young, none of it seems fair or just in any way... yet through it all she personally gave us all a glimpse of hope and the calm reassurance that our parting is a natural part of life. The important thing, she said, is to live the life to the fullest while we are here. Accept others for who they are and treat them as you would have them treat you. Above all... trust in the Lord. To that end, she orchestrated her own service as a celebration of life rather than a remembrance of death. She also asked that each one of you take a single candle from the service (but I'm sure any candle you have will do) and whenever you feel lost or alone, light it and remember the first phrase of Psalms 46:10, "Be still, and know that I am God." Let those simple words comfort you in your times of doubt and chose to live life to the absolute fullest while you can.

Again, on behalf of my sister Wanetta, myself and all of my family, thank you so much for your kind words and generous support. God bless you all!

[WreckWench]

Mike you and your family are in my prays. I am so sorry she lost the battle. kamala

[cmt489]

My thoughts are with you and your family Michael. Your sister sounds like she was a phenominal woman. You were blessed to have her in your life.

[Landlocked Dive Nut]

It sounds as if her positive outlook on life was shared by all in your family, Pup. Her spirit lives on inside you and everyone else whose life she touched. Your loving words in this thread show that her spirit will live on, for a long time to come.

Be well, and remember the good things she brought to your life.

[Mitch0129]

Micheal, please accept my most sincere condolences. I wish I know what I could say to you as something like this is never easy. I do hope you will continue to honor her memory with your music.

[uwfan]

Michael, I'm sorry I didn't know your sister, but am so glad that I have met you. Thank YOU for reminding all of us to live life to the fullest. I know that I will make an extra effort because of your words and your sister's wish for you to share this message. My prayers are with you and your family.

Thank you for the reminder that, "Be still and know that I am God," is something we should all pause and think about when we face life's difficulties.

[finGrabber]

Micheal,

I'm so sorry to hear this.

When you and I talked before the holidays, you said it could be any time. Thankfully, you got to visit with her before she passed.

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family

Kimmie

[ScubaPunk]

She sounds like a truly remarkable woman. I wish I could have known her. I am so very sorry for your loss, and I know you will carry out her wishes and live to its fullest.

[mantarraya]

I am so, so sorry for your loss. I cannot imagine losing one of my own siblings. Your sister sounds like she was a very strong woman, and I hope I would have the grace she had in facing such adversity.

[scubagoddess]

Michael, I am so sorry for your loss. Your sister sounds like she was a lovely lady with a beautiful spirit. I can tell that her legacy will continue in you. My prayers are with you and the rest of your family as you grieve this loss and move forward to live the full life Wanetta has wished for you to live. Thank you for sharing her joyous outlook with us.

Cindi

[diverdeb]

Michael,

Your words about your sister are a testament to the woman she was. I have no doubt she has left a legacy of love and strength. Sounds like I would have been lucky to have known her while she was here.

Debbie

[justscuba]

Michael....My thoughts (as well as eveyone) are with you and your family. I am sorry for the lost of yours or anyones love one.

Marty

[Starfish Sandy]

Michael - our thoughts are with you and your family.

[DiverBabs]

Glad to hear you are back home safe and sound Pup and that the Memorial was beautiful. My heart and prayers go out to you and your family.

Big Hugs,
Babsy

[lynnlchan]

Pup,

I'm so sorry about your sister. I lost my dad this summer and your note brought many tears. Sometimes when life hands someone the worst, it amplifies their beauty and strength. Thank you for sharing her outlook and insights, it's a small spark for us to carry forward from a large loss.

Lynn