David oakman

Yes, preparing for the funeral this morning.

Not easy, and I am practicing my tribute.

Maria was so many things to me, my closest friend,

my partner, my mentor and in many ways my teacher.

And like any great teacher she knew how to give me the strength

to do things for myself and she stood by me to catch me when I fell.

They say opposites attract,

and this balance is a natural part of life.

Maria and I celebrated our differences

and embraced with passion the similarities that united us.

Great teaching requires great patience,

because the lesson is strongest when we learn it for ourselves.

Maria knew I would need help to survive without her,

to do the things that I relied on her for.

So like the teacher she was, with her gentle encouragement,

I was given the time to learn for myself.

I am convinced that Maria knew when she had done her job,

and she left this world confident in the knowledge

that her work was done.

The timing of Maria’s passing is significant in many ways…..

Autumn is a time of seasonal change….. a time for reflection……

a time to appreciate the vibrancy of life…….

And a time to draw in the energy from a season of growth….

in preparation for renewal and rebirth….

Nothing Lasts,

But Nothing is Lost

There is only Change,

And with Change comes Opportunity.