On July 11th Mary's dad died at home in his bed. He was 94. It's been a while since we'd seen Herman. Traveling to Arkansas is difficult even tho' we get wheel chair assistance at every airport.  We knew we had to be there. Mary's dad was her life support when she was a kid and throughout her life. Mary presided at the service because that's what her dad would have wanted. Herman had a vibrant array of friends and family and creating a service that honored Herman and was inclusive of friends and family was an act of Love. Herman had been a Baptist Minister and a professor at a Baptist college. He also has a gay daughter and granddaughter, and his wife's dear friend is a Unitarian Minister who presided at the grave site service. His grandson is a police officer and his daughter is an civil rights activist. It was an honor to participate in a service that was inclusive of everyone present.  Herman loved each of those assembled unconditionally, and we loved him.

Because Mary and I have both had our share of illnesses over the past couple of years, we are very short of funds and didn't have the money to fly back to Arkansas. I have developed a number of Go Fund Me Campaigns but never did I imagine needing to hold one for us. As difficult as this is, we are reaching out to our family and friends for help to cover the cost of the trip. In return what we can offer you is an accomodation in our guest room should you want to vacation with us on Beautiful Whidbey Island.

Because it was short notice we were not able to get a good rate although we did the best we could. The cost of the airfare, rental car, and hotel is what we are asking for. We will be forever grateful for whatever you can give and we lookforward to spending time with you when you take advantage of our offer of a vacation in the beautiful Pacific Northwest. Love and Blessings to All.