Remembering Mahonyha

Dear Selina and family,

Thank you for your beautiful letter honouring Mahonya's spirit and her brave struggle in the face of such daunting obstacles! It is with love and support that we remember her and you at this time.

We feel very blessed to have spent time with you and your family that day at Lakeside Park last summer. It was a wonderful and timeless afternoon relaxing in the sunshine on a long and lazy summer's day. Mahonya was contented and serene, and I was struck by how soothing she was to be around. Perhaps we were experiencing the sweetness and poignancy of all her life contracted into a brief moment.

So we embrace you in your pain and in your joy and sorrow. What a gift she has given you!

Love always,
Trudy and Sal

~MAHONYHA~
The dawn of the day was overcome with deep sadness and sorrow.
Your soul escapes the beauty of your body with softness and grace.
As the day awakens your gentle touch still whispers around with courage and trust.
Breezes of your sweet scent surrounds us with comfort and peace as we memorize your exquisiteness; still and silent.
With each rising morning and in the shadows of each evening, your precious soul is present and the essence of your strength fills all space.
With much love
Your sister, Molly
xoxoxo

There is a place where the sidewalk ends And before the street begins, And there the grass grows soft and white, And there the sun burns crimson bright, And there the moon‐bird rests from his flight To cool in the peppermint wind. Let us leave this place where the smoke blows black And the dark street winds and bends. Past the pits where the asphalt flowers grow We shall walk with a walk that is measured and slow, And watch where the chalk‐white arrows go To the place where the sidewalk ends. Yes we'll walk with a walk that is measured and slow, And we'll go where the chalk‐white arrows go, For the children, they mark, and the children, they know The place where the sidewalk ends.

Shel Silverstein