In Memoriam

As we walk the pathways of this life, there are those who walk beside us for a time. When one of those who has become dear to us passes from this world into the next, we feel a loss, an empty space within us where once there was a connection to another. Whether that other was a beloved pet, or a friend, or a family member, the sense of loss remains. Here we wish the departed well upon their road ahead, as we continue upon our own journey in this world. They may have passed from this place, but they are not forgotten.

Prayer for the Recently Dead

      You are journeying across the dividing water that lies between this world and the next,
      carried away by the ferryman on your way.
      Look ahead of you, do not look behind.
      Look ahead of you, where your destiny lies.
      Do you see them? They are there, ahead of you on the other shore.
      Slowly, they become visible to you; the shining ones appear slowly out of the concealing mists.
      Clearly they appear to you, though hidden from our eyes.
      Go to them, they welcome you.
      Go to them, not stopping for farewells.
      Holy Ones in the world beyond, open wide your arms to receive this one who is journeying to you.
      Make him a home, bring him to rest.
      Farewell, dear friend.
      We who have loved you wish you a good journey.
            -Ceisiwr Serith, A Book of Pagan Prayer

Tony Benedict

October 31, 1970 - February 23, 2009
Survived by:
Loving wife Terri
Twin daughters Meera and Zoe
Parents Gary and Joan Benedict, Brother Jon Benedict, Grandmothers Dorothy Gillespie and Margaret Hogya

In this life, there are people who see at the world around them as they believe it should be, and are disappointed that it does not meet with their expectations. Then there are people who see the world as it is, and are content that it should be so. But there is another kind, the rarest of all; those who look at the world, and see it as it could be, and spend their time and energy working to help the world become that better place. Tony Benedict was such a person. He was a man who was always in the middle of a hundred projects, and yet, if someone came to him for help, the first words on his lips were "What can I do to help?"

Tony was a challenging man to keep up with, because it was impossible to be lazy around him. His infectious enthusiasm and willingness to do anything that needed to be done, for his family, for his friends, and for his Grove, meant that he touched the hearts of many people in his 39 years. No one can replace Tony, so the best that we can do to honor his memory is to live in the way that he did: in service to the idea that the world can be a better place, and that it falls to us to make it so.

Tony's path has taken him to a place that we cannot see, those of us who remained behind. But he has taken the road that we all will take, sooner or later, and we shall see him anon. He'll have dinner ready when we get there.

Lily Belle, Crystal's beloved friend

Griffon, First Cat of ShadowGrove

September 22 1996 - July 3 2008
Never to be forgotten.

Questor the Bubby

May 21, 1991 - May 3, 2008
Well-loved and Truly Missed.