My dearest friend died Thursday January 4th. She was a young 51 years of age. How could this happen. I’ve learned already that this line of thinking gets me nowhere.

Sheri Zuccato was on fire with life and mission. Helping others heal their wounds and love their life was her greatest joy. The hundreds of cards and emails her parents have received are a testament to her life. She was a baffled by the terminal diagnosis as were the rest of us. She certainly never thought her work was finished. In fact, a few days before she died she was still giving her mother directions for helping someone.

That was Sheri as a professional. What I had the pleasure of knowing was Sheri the friend, coaching client and playmate. She was vulnerable, fun loving, serious and challenging.

She was 100% supportive and truthful. She always gave our friendship 100%. I wish all of you someone like that at least once in your life. It was a gift everyday for 14 years and I miss her deeply. We both had great dreams for the future. While I find it hard to think about those right now, I know I must pursue them as much for her memory as for myself.

During the Doctor’s visit where she was given her bleak prognosis Sheri said, “I have loved my life and nothing you can try will ever give me that life back.” I can only hope that when my time comes I’ll be able to say the same thing.

My blessings to all of you who knew and loved Sheri. Please keep her parents in your prayers and keep her spirit in your hearts.

Pamela Grant
Life Calling

There is a candle in your heart . . . There is a candle in your heart,            ready to be kindled. There is a void in your soul,            ready to be filled. You feel it, don't you? You feel the separation           from the Beloved. Invite Him to fill you up,           embrace the fire. Remind those who tell you otherwise that           Love           comes to you of its own accord,           and the yearning for it           cannot be learned in any school. From: 'Hush Don't Say Anything to God: Passionate Poems of Rumi' Translated by Sharam Shiva submitted by Dubravka Deppen (WWTW, May, 1997, Lake Delavan, WI)