Sarah Toller
February 7, 1977 - June 12, 2007
Sarah passed peacefully this morning with her mom and I by her side.
Now she rests, her love still radiating everywhere.
posted by Sarah @ 12:08 PM
300 comments
Que Sarah, Sarah
Just an average chick living a new normal somewhere between Wonderland and Cancerland.
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
February 7, 1977 - June 12, 2007
Sarah passed peacefully this morning with her mom and I by her side.
Now she rests, her love still radiating everywhere.
300 Comments:
Our deepest condolences.
Sarah you have touched so many lives, more that you will ever know. Derek our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time.
Rest in peace, Sarah.
Derek,
I am so sorry for your loss. I don't know you or Sarah...just reading her entries...I feel like I know the both of you. I can't imagine what you are going through. I just want you to know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. You and Sarah were blessed to have each other. You will see her again / she is among angels / cancer free / pain free / and she will always be with you in spirit. Condolences to Sarah's family, many friends, and to all of the other people you and Sarah touched. I am truly sorry, Derek.
Lubbock, Texas
I'm so sorry.
I am so very sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you. There is a new angel in heaven, cancer free, pain free, and her love will be felt always.
Rest in peace, Sarah.
Derek, I'm so sorry for your loss. Words can't express how I feel other than to say that she touched so many people. Please take care,
Memory eternal, Sarah.
Rest in peace Sarah. You will live on forever in the thoughts of others.
Derek, take care of yourself.
Derek, I'm so sorry for your loss. Sarah touched so many people - she had such a cool head on her shoulders and just an amazing perspective on everything. Thank you for sharing her with us.
My life was so deeply touched by Sarah's strength, compassion, and amazing outlook.
My life will continue to be touched by her everyday.
I'm so sorry.
This just breaks my heart. Sarah was such a beautiful young woman with amazing courage, strength and hope. I'm so sorry--please know you and Sarah's family are in my heart and prayers during this most difficult time.
~Lisa Norvell~
I'm so sorry. Thank you for sharing your life with me, Sarah :(
I am so very sorry.
I'm so sorry. While I never got to sit with her face-to-face, I promise that I'll never forget her. Your strength has been a real inspiration - now, please let the strength of your loved ones comfort you. You and Sarah will be in my prayers tonight.
Stacey
I am so, so sorry.
Please accept our deepest condolences.
Her story has impacted me daily since first reading her blog. What an amazing woman, she has touched more hearts then you could ever know. My thoughts are with you both.
My deepest condolensces to you and Sarah's family.
Derek,
My sincerest condolences to you and your family. Sarah was a true inspiration and she made a deep and lasting impact on me. I will miss her wisdom and humour, and truly appreciate the time she took to share her life with so many people -- people who certainly and overwhelmingly came to love her. I will be cherishing her memory and am thankful that I was fortunate to have "known" her, if only virtually.
Rest in peace, sweet Sarah.
Terri
So very sorry for your loss. Sarah was an inspiration to all, and will be remembered by many for years to come.
Take care, Derek.
My deepest condolences to you and your family. Sarah's wit, kindness, and courageous spirit will be missed.
God Speed Sarah, you have your wings now.
Michele
Eehgads, MPIP
I am so sorry for your loss.
So, so sorry. Sarah has made such a difference. She's watching over us now.
I am so sorry for your loss. I have never met you or Sarah but her story has touched my life and changed my habits forever. Her strength to share her story might have saved not just my life but many others as well. She will always be remembered.
Dear Derek,
I am so saddened to hear this but I'm glad that Sarah's passing was peaceful. You and your family are very much in my heart.
As ever, Carver (I knew Sarah through the MPIP)
She will be loved and remembered today and always.
GOD SAW YOU GETTING TIRED
WHEN A CURE WAS NOT TO BE
SO HE CLOSED HIS ARMS AROUND YOU
AND WHISPERED "COME TO ME"
YOU DIDN'T DESERVE WHAT YOU WENT THROUGH
AND SO HE GAVE YOU REST
GOD'S GARDEN MUST BE BEAUTIFUL
HE ONLY TAKES THE BEST
AND WHEN I SAW YOU SLEEPING
SO PEACEFULLY AND FREE FROM PAIN
I COULD NOT WISH YOU BACK
TO SUFFER THAT AGAIN.
Liss9 (Weddingbells)
I am so, so sorry. I cannot believe how someone I never 'met' in real life has touched my life so greatly.
Rest in peace, Sarah, and Derek, my strength goes out to you and Sarah's family.
My heart is broken but I am glad that she is not in pain or discomfort any longer. Thanks Derek for being such a wonderful caregiver.
Nancy D
Stage 3B/NED 32 months
Completed INF 12/05
Celebrex 400 mg/day
Vacaville, CA
Heaven's doors opened wide this morning - to accept the newest and brightest angel they have ever seen...free of pain, free of cancer, and just free to be. Sarah will have her wings around Derek during this difficult time and will always be with Derek in spirit. God was ready for Sarah...it is hard for the people she left behind to lose such a bright shining light...but they will never lose Sarah's spunk and spirit...she left that for her loved her ones. Our prayers go out to all who are at a loss today for Sarah. It is so sad to lose someone so young and vibrant / even in the darkness of cancer / Sarah chose to live and love / even in her last breath.
So sorry Derek.
-Katrina
My prayers are with you and Sarah...may she soar wherever she is now. Her spirit and life will live on as she has touched many hearts with her Blog.
May you soar in your happy place, Sarah.
L
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family Derek. Although I did not know Sarah, she has touched my life and made a difference.
May she rest in peace.
I am so sorry Derek. Sarah is proof 1 person can change the lives of others. You will both be in my thoughts for a very long time.
Take care of yourself,
FridayWedding from Weddingbells.
Derek,
Sarah and I exchanged e-mails several months ago concerning blogs and melanoma. Our son, Jarrett, 17, died on February 22, 2006 of melanoma. Sarah stopped by Jarrett's site to show her support for a fellow melanoma warrior in the midst of her own battle. Reading a story like Jarrett's that ended in tragedy must have been difficult for her but she continued to face the future with courage and determination.
For those of us who did not have the privilege of meeting her, Sarah's spirit shines through her words.
I don't know how heaven works... but I hope that Jarrett gets the opportunity to meet your Sarah in heaven.
My heart felt sympathy,
Michelle Boston
Mother of Jarrett Boston
1/10/89~2/22/06
A Short Life, Well Lived and Well Loved
caringbridge.org/visit/jarrettboston
Derek,
My deepest sympathies. My thoughts and prayers today are with you and with the family and friends of Sarah. Let your fond and loving memories of Sarah sustain you during these difficult times. Sarah will be missed by the many MPIP'ers who came to 'know' her (and you) through her blog and posts.
-Rocco-
My thought and prayers are with you and your family. Sarah was blessed to have you by her side through all of this and you must know she was an inspiration to so many
know that she is peaceful and happy looking down on you and your loved ones to keep you safe
Mes condoléances. Derek, Sarah's friends and family, you will be in my thoughts.
I didn't know you Sarah, but I will miss you. You will be missed by so many people who have been so touched by you. Derek, I'm thinking of you and everyone around you her are mourning her passing. HUGS. Thinking of you
I'm very sorry for your loss, Derek. May she rest in peace.
My thoughts and prayers are with you Derek.
Erin
May her memory live on in all of us...
Our toughts and prayers are with you, Derek, and Sarah's family.
Nat&Phil (weddingbells)
Derek, I'm so sorry! Keeping you in my thoughts and Prayers.
We grieve today and always for this devastating loss, but are so incredibly thankful to have loved and been loved by such an amazing woman.
Sarah will always have a strong place in our hearts.
Derek, no words can express how sorry I am for you sweetie. You share a love that is eternal and I hope that comforts you in some way.
Please let us know how we can be there for you, now and always. All our love, Nikki and Paul xoxo
I'm very sorry for your loss.
- DeeAndSammy4ever (Weddingbells)
My sincere condolences to you and your family. I have thought frequently of late about Sarah. She will live in my memory everyday. I know she will be watching over you, and the rest of her famiy and close friends. Rest in Peace Sarah.
I am so, so sorry to hear of Sarah's passing. May she forever Rest in Peace.
She has changed my sun practices with myself and my children. Thank you Sarah and Derek for sharing your journey with us.
Derek you are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Jodi(Hitch)
Sarah was so young to have suffered so much. My thoughts are with you, Derek, and your family during this difficult time.
Rest peacefully Sarah.
~Melanie (aka Aylaa - hitched)
I am very sorry for your loss. My thoughts are prayers are with you and your family.
I'm so sorry for your loss, Derek. May you rest in peace Sarah, and thank you for sharing your struggle with us all. Much love.
I am so, so sorry. You and Sarah's family are in my thoughts and prayers, may she rest in peace.
I am so sad to read this news, she has left such a huge impact on so many lives, she was truly a wonderful woman with lots of courage and life...My deepest sympathies goes out to you and your family at this sad time...
Trista, Ottawa, Ontario
Derek, I am so sorry for your loss. You and your families are in my thoughts.
Sarah's spirit lives on in kairos - time out of time. Holding you all in my heart as you grieve and heal....
I'm so sorry for your loss :( For all our loss of such a special, wonderful woman.
Sarah... rest in peace.
Sarah's family... be at peace and know that all the people whose lives she touched are thinking of you and praying for you.
She was an inspiration. Derek and family, you're in my thoughts.
My deepest sympathy to you Derek and all of Sarah's family and friends. To loose Sarah is such a tradgedy her posts as well as yours have touched so many people and changed so many lives. Your love for Sarah and hers for you is inspiring,
I am very sorry for your loss, you are in my thoughts.
Katherine
This is heartbreaking news. My deepest condolences to Derek and all of Sarah's friends and family.
I've followed her battle, from the MPIP and here on her blog.
Her life touched so many of us.
I am so sorry for your loss.
dian in spokane
I'm so sorry. Sarah touched more of us than you would believe. And I know that I'm not the only person who changed their behaviour (and gave up their sun-worshipping ways) at her urging.
Rest in peace, Sarah. My thoughts are with you and your families, Derek.
My thoughts are with you and all the family.
Sarah will rest in peace now.
Sarah♥
I'm so very sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your loved ones.
I am so very sorry. Sarah has touched my life deeply even though we had never met. She was so full of life and will be missed. I wish you and her family much strength.
Derek,
My thoughts and prayers will be with you, your family and friends. What a battle you have been through! It's so sad. I can't think of any words that will help at this time.
Stay Strong
King (Kathie)
Stage IV 7/05
Sarah, You touched so may of us in your too short life. Rest in peace sweet angel. We all will miss you greatly but are better for having "known" you.
Derek, my deepest condolences. I can not imagine the saddness you feel. Take comfort that Sarah is no longer suffering and is now watching over all of us. I am so so very sorry...this is such a tragedy.
Steph (Hitch)
This is so sad. I'm very sorry.
So sorry for your loss. Sarah will be remembered by many people who have never even met her. Her strong and positive spirit have touched the lives of many. Rest in peace, Sarah.
I'm so sorry. Rest in peace, Sarah. You will not be forgotten.
-Jill (jaggedgirl from hitched)
I am so heartbroken to hear this sad news. I followed Sarah's battle on MPIP and her blog. Sarah was courageous and inspirational. She will surely light up the heavens.
I am crying with you, Derek.
Liz (from MPIP)
Very sorry for your loss. We are all behind you and the family in prayers.
Sarah's passing is a loss to so many, including me, who never knew her but was so touched and moved by her words, her courage and her spirit. Those of you who did know her - Derek, her family and friends - my heart goes out to you, and my thoughts are with you on this sad day.
Rest in peace Sarah. You truly are an inspiration. Your strength always amazed me.
Derek,
I am so sorry for your loss. My heart goes out to you and your family.
I have never met Sarah, yet I think about her everyday. What an incredibly strong person she is to have fought such a battle, yet keeping her spirits high.
Amazing what an impact she can have on so many, who didn't have the chance to ever meet her.
Take care, Derek, and rest in peace Sarah.
I'm so sorry Sarah is gone.
How blessed you are to have known and loved her.
I have just now read about Sarah on Cathy's blog, and wanted to extend our deepest sympathies. Both my hubby and I were widowed, and we send our best wishes for peace and healing.
Sincerely,
Suzanne & Arnie
Nashville, TN
I'm sorry!
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Sarah will be remembered by so many. She truly was a beautiful spirit.
Please accept my deepest condolences.
I am glad you and her Mom were able to be with her at the end.
Sarah was very special and will be sorely missed.
I'm so sorry for your loss.
I consider myself lucky to be one of the many who have been touched by her strength.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family, Derek.
Crystal.
Satah touched the lives of many. She will be greatly missed, but may her journey be everlasting through memories, thoughts and laughter.
Our deepest sympathy goes out to the families and friends that loved Sarah.
We will miss you!
Rest in peace Sarah. Even though I never met you, your strength and courage were an inspiration.
I did not know Sarah but was introduced to her blog. She was a beautiful soul and her beauty will live on. My deepest condolences. Sarah has saved many lives by just reading her blog. Thank you and thank her.
We've been touched by both Sarah's and your courage, Derek. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
~Leanne
06/12/2007
Dear Derek:
I just read Sarah's blog yesterday - and then read Heather's story - and afterwards I felt that I had met strong strong women that I admired for their battles but more importantly for their love of others.
Your unswerving love and devotion to your Sarah transcends life and death.
I said to myself just this morning - after reflecting on the love my husband and I share - and it brought me to tears thinking of not being able to see his eyes each and every day and to feel his arms that bring me to a safety that I have never experienced before him.
I am so sad that this has happened to you and your family. I pray that you always carry Sarah in your heart and know that although it seems as if our Creator has let you down by allowing Sarah to leave your side - I am assured, by my faith in a loving Creator, that you will see Sarah again because His son promised it (John 5:28,29)
When and if you are ever ready to hear more than just "it was God's will" please please let me know - I will be around - and I promise to, at least, add to your hope.
My deepest and tenderest wishes ~
~ Joanne - Stoneham MA
What a lovely young woman. My heart goes out to her family and friends.
Rod G
The pain is done, only the love remains.
Thank you, Sarah. You shared your life & your battle to raise awareness and to help others.
You will be missed, but never forgotten.
Derek, my thoughts are with you, Sarah's and your family, as well as friends.
I lit my own candle for both Sarah and Heather - they will be in my thoughts and prayers ....
http://www.gratefulness.org/candles/
message.cfm?l=eng&cid=3602061
Derek,
May God bless you in your time of need. Sarah was an inspiraton to many, many people. She will live on forever in their hearts. You have been a Godsend to Sarah, and the world would be wonderful if there were more young men like you. Please continue the blog as I'm sure people would like to hear how you are doing.
Long Beach, CA
You have my deepest condolences. I watched my Grandmother deteriorate the last 2 years from EC (esophagial cancer). She passed in March. It was so hard to watch her and my grandfather, them thinking every day, she was going to get strong enough to come home. She was amazing, not to mention the healthiest, most athletic person I have ever known. As hard as it is, I know she is at peace now, as is Sarah. Just remember the beautiful things, and know that she is safe and no longer in pain. My heart goes out to you and Sarah's family.
Nicole in Indiana
I am so, so sorry for your loss. Sarah was/is an inspiration to us all and will be missed.
I'm so very sorry.
I am so sorry for your loss - I only knew Sarah through her writing on this blog but I will miss her very much - she was an incredible writer and a touching human being - so sensitive and wise - thank you for telling us of her passing - peace to you and her family.
Beth
Derek, I hope you will consider either carrying on with the blog or open a new one and post the link. Many of us would like to continue giving you encouragement.
Im so sorry for what has happened. She was truly a wonderful person.
To Derek and the rest of Sarah's family,
I'm so sorry for your loss. Sarah was a very special person and has touched many lives. She will not be forgotten.
Rest in peace, and know your memory will live on Sarah. Your message is being spread.
I am so sorry. She was a wonderful person and you are an amazing man.
My Deepest Heartfelt condolences on your loss.
I would like to offer you a personal copy of the brochure When Someone You Love Dies .
I need A mailing address I have done this for many of our friends on the MPIP board .
Robert S/MM survior for 41yrs
rssmll@verizon.net
I'm sorry to hear about your loss.
I am so sorry. I know that there are no words to make this journey any easier for you and your family. Just know that Sarah touched many in her short life and her memory will live on.
Thank you for sharing yourself with us Sarah. May you rest in peace. My thoughts are with you, Derek, and your families. Sarah will live on in you. Peace be with you.
H
I am so sorry for your loss. It seems you both have touched many lives and that is a blessing. I have never seen a blog with so much love and concern. It is touching to know that there was a Sarah out there. Sarah's love will continue through the people she touched; her friends, her family, and her beloved Derek. God's blessings to all of you. God Bless You-Dear Sarah.
I am so sorry for your loss.
My thoughts are with you during this time. I never met Sarah, but you couldn't help but fall in love with her through her writing, which was so frank and rang so true. She touched so many though sharing her struggle and her courage and honesty. Thank you Sarah for sharing your story.
Rest in Peace, Sarah.
Much much love to you both.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family Derek. What a truly remarkable woman Sarah was.
My deepest condolences
Derek, my thoughts are with you, I'm so sorry for your loss. I know nothing will make this time easier, but please take some comfort in knowing how many lives Sarah touched.
I am so sorry for your loss, and I cannot imagine the pain you and your family must be feeling. Our prayers are with you.
I'm so sorry. Sarah's beauty and strength touched so many of us - She will be missed.
- Sarah
Derek, be strong! Your beautiful Sarah has become an angel and is taking care of you now. She was a great personality, I am deeply impressed!
I lost my dearest pap two months ago, he died of an unknown cancer, without any chance of living, without any fighting. I feel and see that there is so much pain and helplessness in this world...
I am so very sorry to read of your loss, Derek, and the loss to the rest of Sarah's family and friends.
Rest in peace, Sarah ... you will live on in the hearts and memories of people all around the world that you touched with your words, your spirit, your strength and your love.
I am sorry to hear of Sarah's passing my prayers and thoughts are with you Derek. It will be hard for you, I know I am there in this same place now, but it is a comfort to know that our loved one is no longer suffering and as useless as it seems at times they will live on in our hearts.
Rest in peace, Sarah
I am at a loss for words. I have been checking in to see how Sarah was doing,and how you have been coping. I know you can have peace in understanding there is no more suffering, but you have lost your love. In caring for a treasured love, you often find yourself not knowing what to do next. Just know you are being supported by so many individuals.
"Death is more universal than life; everyone dies but not everyone lives." Sarah DID live. Thank you Sarah and Derek for sharing you lives with all of us.
Be Blessed & Peace to you all.
Sally
Spread your love in heaven sweetheart. Thoughts and prayers with you Derek and family.
Oh, Derek....
What a pillar of strength you have been for Sarah. She let us in on how difficult this was for her, every step of the way. We can't even begin to imagine how devastating this has been for yourself.
Should you feel the desire to blog more, we will all still be here to support you.
Take care Derek, continue to draw on that well of strength within.
Sarah is with our Father, and he is in your heart. Bless you.
My condolences on your loss. She is safe and no longer in pain, but I know this is a devastating loss to you and Sarah's family. She was a fighter and I'm in admiration of everything she tried to do by sharing her story with us.
Derek,
Rejoice in her life and feel blessed to have had her in yours. For better or worse your heart has been touched by Sarah... and no matter how heartbreaking a time this may be, I think, from what I've read, that it's all been for the better.
Be well.
I'm so sorry. Sarah made such an impact on so many people, she taught so many about the dangers of the sun, the value of life and the power of love. She was lucky to have such a wonderful husband. Take care of yourself and rest in peace Sarah.
I am so sorry for your loss. I only knew you both through this blog, but I promise not to forget Sarah and to warn people about the dangers waiting for them outdoors.
My thoughts and prayers are with your family and Sarah's.
Barb in Texas
My thoughts continue to be with you and your loved ones during this difficult time.
Sarah will leave her legacy in every life she touched -- those she knew personally and those she reached virtually.
I am so sorry Derek. My thoughts and prayers are with you, please take care of yourself.
May you rest in peace Sarah.
Derek and family, I'm so sorry for your loss. Sarah was a wonderful person whose memory, and most importantly message, will be carried by many.
I believe that Sarah Toller is a true modern day Hero.
Rest peacefully Sarah. You are an amazing soul.
Derek and family
My deepest condolences on your loss.
Marne
Dear Derek,
My sister has advanced Melanoma and Sarah has answered many questions that I am not able to ask my sister herself.
Thanks to Sarah's words I can try not to say the wrong thing as often. She wanted to help and she did.
I just found you both today.
You must be very tired now.
Take Care of Yourself.
I'm so sorry, but glad that you had the opportunity to benefit from her wonderful presence in your life.
The fight is over now. May she rest in peace.
I am so terribly sorry for the loss of such a lovely lady. The world is a better place because of Sarah.
My condolences to the family.
Rest in peace, Sarah.
May she rest in peace.
i only found this blog tonight. i sat here and read the whole thing straight through. i'm at a loss for words. my heart breaks for you both. i'm glad i got to know her in some small way.
my heart is with you and your families tonight.
Derek,
I am so sorry for your loss. God opened the gates and was ready for Sarah. An angel got her wings today and it was Sarah. God is so lucky to have her with him. He needed her.
I'm so very sorry for your loss. Sarah's strength and courage was amazing. May she rest in peace.
Sarah has been so brave to share her journey with all of us. SHe has helped me to appreciate my life and she has helped me to understand that while some people never get to achieve their dreams, that they inspire others to follow theirs. Derek - you have been her rock - my condolences to you and Sarah's family. In Peace.
Lisa
Derek,
I am so very sorry for your loss. My thoughts are with you and your families.
Sarah was an amazing and inspiring woman. I won't forget her lessons and strength.
Excerpt from Byron that seems to fit dear Sarah:
Hush'd are the winds, and still the evening gloom,
Not e'en a zephyr wanders through the grove,
Whilst I scatter flowers on the dust I love.
But wherefore weep? Her matchless spirit soars
Beyond where splendid shines the orb of day;
And weeping angels lead her to those bowers,
Where endless pleasures virtuous deeds repay.
Yet is remembrance of those virtues dear,
Yet fresh the memory of that beauteous face;
Still they call forth my warm affection's tear,
Still in my heart retain their wonted place.
Bill G
Derek: May Sarah's spirit continue to strenghten and guide you. You are in our thoughts.
Rest in peace Sarah. Know that your struggle has inspired and changed many.
Dear Derek, Words cannot express this moment.
Thank you for sharing your strength and bond of your (Sarah and yours) beautiful love together. Thank you for the power of love during those moments of painful struggles and eventual separation. Thank you most of all for sharing yourselves with us. Eternally grateful.
[Blogger, Cathy -- 'Cathy's place to blog' introduced me to your blog.]
Thank you and take care Derek.
I'm so sorry for your loss.
Nothing severs the connection we have as human beings. Sarah is a part of us and we are a part of her, regardless of life or death. This site demonstrates that, all of us connected in the same thoughts despite never having met! Derek, I wish you every strength, you were an amazing partner to her and the love the two of you generated has touched many many people. Thank you for sharing it with us.
Sarah I will miss you...and Derek my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family...
Sarah Toller
February 7, 1977 - June 12, 2007
Sarah passed peacefully this morning with her mom and I by her side.
Now she rests, her love still radiating everywhere.
-Derek
What a blessing to hear Sarah passed peacefully with her beloved by her side. Derek-the words you used in this post to describe your Sarah are beautiful. It is such a sad day and yet there is so much to be grateful for...your angel, God's angel, is no longer in pain. It is hard to understand why things like cancer happens to good people...I have always heard that God takes good people first. I am just so sorry for you loss. Sarah touched so many people and she was an example of how to live...not about dying. So many of us don't live...with or without cancer...we just survive...we don't live...I think Sarah taught us that we need to Live! What a legacy...you should be very proud of your Sarah. You and Sarah were blessed to have found one another. Condolences to you Derek, to Sarah's family, and to all that knew her. Heaven is celebrating right now.
I am so, so sorry for your loss.
Sarah will be missed by so many people.
I am so sorry for your loss. Sarah definitely had an impact on more people than she will ever realize. She is truly an inspiration.
Dear Derek,
My deepest sympathies to you and to Sarah's family.
I "knew" Sarah through her blog and postings on MPIP---a lovely, beautiful spirit, shining light, inspiring, truthful, and insightful.
I am finding it difficult to accept that this beast, melanoma, takes so many young, vibrant people in its grasp. I have to pray and believe there is something special, some meaning we simply cannot understand now, that will have all of this hurt makes sense. I will keep you and Sarah's family and friends in my prayers. I am so sorry.
CarolA
MPIP
I'm so sorry.
I wish I knew what to say.
My deepest sympathies.
What more can you say about the loss of some one who taught so many people so much?
I am so truly sorry for your loss. I never met Sarah, but have kept up with her story here. She was truly an inspiring person who faced her illness with such grace and courage. She touched so many people and will be missed deeply.
Derek, I have been so touched by looking in on the beautiful journey that is Sarah's life. Her strength and beauty has inspired me and touched me in so many ways. Thank you both for the gift. Peace to you, Derek. I will keep you carefully in thought, sending you peace, comfort, compassion. Peace.
God Bless You Sarah. You have touched so many of us with your life story and in return, your life will carry on with the stories that we will share. Derek and Family, you are in my thoughts and prayers. She will never be forgotten.
Sarah, your family will be in my thoughts and prayers. Thank you for sharing yourself with us through your blog.
my deepest sympathies. i was truly touched by sarah and im sad i never had the opportunity to meet her.
i myself am a pediatric oncology nurse. i hope that sarah is up in heaven frolicking and playing with my lil'uns--free from cancer, painful procedures and continuing to spread love and joy wherever their spirits go.
thank you for your beautiful words, sarah. and thank you derek for sharing sarah with us.
peace,
deanna in nyc
Derek, and Sarah's family, my thoughts of love and sadness are with you all at this horrible time. Sarah's blog was such an inspiration to me, so full of life, and love of life (and of you!). I'm honoured to have known her through this, and also to have known you the same way. You are very special people. Rest in peace, beautiful Sarah
I'm so very sorry. Sarah touched so many people and every single one of us is going to miss her.
I am so very sorry. My thoughts are with your, Derek.
Sarah must have been one lovely and lucky lady to have such a supporting family in her life. I am sorry to hear that she has passed, but God holds her now in His loving arms. I am a cancer survivor as of yesterday when I finished treatment. I got your link from the Jennifer Ireland site. I just wanted to let you know that I am praying for you that you would find rest in Him today.
R.I.P. Sarah, fighter par excellence.
You will live on in our memories.
Derek,
I am so sorry to hear about Sarah's passing. You have both touched my life and have been in my thoughts and prayers. It is amazing what a little blog can do and how many lives it can touch. Your Sarah has made a lasting impact on so many and will continue to do so. She is in a better place, without pain, without upset, without cancer. She is there, watching over you and your families, waiting with open arms to welcome you there and comforting those who have come before and will come after her who have had to endure cancer. I will forever be changed by your beautiful wife. Thank you for sharing your angel with us.
Jennifer Dunham
Sarah was an inspiration & you're her tower of strength. No words cld describe what you're going through & may God bless you each & every day. My sincere condolences.
Ling
Syd, Aust
I can't beleive it. Everything that's happened.
She really touched my heart.
I am relieved that she no longer suffers.
She will never be forgotten.
Wishing you and your family strength Derek.
I will miss you Sarah, always.
I hope you are in a much better place now, and I hope that you rest with peace, love, and beauty surrounding you.
JanetteT from the Netherlands
Derek, I am so sorry for your loss. Sarah's life has touched so many people...
I am so sorry!
Rest in peace, Sarah.
I am a friend of Christy's and was told I had to read Sarah's blog. I am so thankful I did. I am touched deeply. I am so sorry for your loss. I'm sure she's at peace now somewhere in a new world giving her joy and making others smile just as she obviously did here.
Safe home Sarah. My thoughts are with you Derek.
Derek,
My thought and prayers are with you and your family.
I did not know Sarah in real life, but her blog really touched my life.
I am so sorry to hear about her passing.
Rest in peace Sarah.
your family is in my thoughts and prayers at this time of sorrow. sarah
No! No! NO!!
Derek, saying, "I'm sorry" just doesn't express what I want to say to you, but no words can. This is so very unfair. If I never hear the "M" word again it will be too soon.
We are thinking of you and your families Derek and, most of all, very are thinking of your beautiful Sarah.
Kristy (Oz - Kris on MPIP)
Sarah,
May the road rise to meet you.
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face.
And rains fall soft upon your fields.
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the hollow of His hand.
My father passed this poem on to me - he got it from a newspaper clipping, and I believe it has a Native American background:
I give you this one thought to keep –
I am with you still – I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow,
I am the diamond glints on snow,
I am the sunlight on ripened grain,
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning’s hush,
I am the swift, uplifting rush
of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not think of me as gone –
I am with you still – in each new dawn.
It was one of my father's favourites... when he passed on a little over 2 years ago I posted a special page on my blog (sounds kinda dorky, I know) with this poem on it. I believe it captures his spirit well - I hope that it may help you and your circle of family and friends, Derek.
Sarah is everything in that poem... free.
James
My deepest sympathies to the family. As a melanoma patient, I have been following Sarah's blog. Her story has impacted me in profound ways. Her soul is a light of strength in the darkness. I wish her peace and happiness in a better place.
Peace, love, and comfort in this time.
To Derek and Sarah's family,
I am truly sorry for the pain you are feeling. As you can see by these many comments, we all felt as if we "knew" your dear Sarah. She has touched so many lives and will live on in each of us.
Sarah, you will never be forgotten.
Stephanie
Ferndale, Washington USA
Derek, my deepest condolences to you and your families. It is just so unfair. I know that nothing I can say can take the pain away, but know that Sarah's light is shining on through the many people whose lives she touched. I wish you strength and peace.
I'm terribly sorry. But I'm somehow relieved that her suffering is over. Take care of yourself, my thoughts are with you.
Thanks to both of you for sharing all this with us.
May you rest in peace Sarah.
Derek, my condolences.
I am so sorry for your loss. I have only recently come upon Sarah's blog; her love and beauty really shine through. It is obvious that she has inspired and touched many...
Derek, I wish you and your family continued strength through an incredibly difficult time.
Derek,
I came across Sarah's blog last week on Weddingbells message board. When I saw some of you wedding pictures that she posted on her blog I recognized you both immediately. Over the past couple of days I have read every entry. She was an amazing woman and has touched my heart. My thoughts are with you and your family. Be strong.
Grimeysgal from WB
Sarah, you will be in our hearts forever!
Derek, I'm so sorry for your loss, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family forever. Sarah, I didn't know you , but kept up on reading your blog. You are such a strong spirit, you fought till the end of this life, but I know you are danceing in the next.Thank you for touching mine and so many others lifes.
Rest in peace Sarah
My condolences to all of you. Sarah brought light to this world that will radiate for a long time.
There are no words to take the pain...you are in our heart and prayers.
I am so sorry to hear about Sarah's passing..I worked with Sarah for a short time at the Ministry, but long enough to know she was a very special woman.. Her strength, courage and spirit will be a reminder to all of us how precious life really is.. ... To Derek and Sarah's family, my deepest condolences..
I have read Sarahs blog and am inspired by her bravery and courage. It is evident that she loved you (Derek) very much. What a wonderful thing she did creating this blog. I am praying for you and her family.
I can't imagine how devastating this is for you and Sarah's family and to those who have somehow been touched by her courage and fight.It is somehow comforting to read everyone's heartfelt emotions right now as we share in your grief. Thank you for taking the time and letting us all know what is going on.
My condolences to Derek, and to Sarah's family. In many ways, I think Sarah lived this poem by Mary Oliver.
When death comes
like the hungry bear in autumn;
when death comes and takes all the bright coins from his purse
to buy me, and snaps the purse shut;
when death comes
like the measle-pox
when death comes
like an iceberg between the shoulder blades,
I want to step through the door full of curiosity, wondering:
what is it going to be like, that cottage of darkness?
And therefore I look upon everything
as a brotherhood and a sisterhood,
and I look upon time as no more than an idea,
and I consider eternity as another possibility,
and I think of each life as a flower, as common
as a field daisy, and as singular,
and each name a comfortable music in the mouth,
tending, as all music does, toward silence,
and each body a lion of courage, and something
precious to the earth.
When it's over, I want to say all my life
I was a bride married to amazement.
I was the bridegroom, taking the world into my arms.
When it's over, I don't want to wonder
if I have made of my life something particular, and real.
I don't want to find myself sighing and frightened,
or full of argument.
I don't want to end up simply having visited this world.
- Mary Oliver
I just read your story from start to finish. Sarah sounds like an amazing person. I'm so sorry for your loss, but thank you for sharing her story! Blessing to you!
Derek,
We are so sorry for your loss. We are praying for you and your family, Sarah's family, all of your friends, and to all of the wonderful people who have expressed condolences on Sarah's blog. We wish you peace and love.
Texas
I just found this blog through the Jennifer Ireland blog. I've only read one page of entries, but WOW, Sarah sounded like an awesome person.
Derek, I'm so sorry your heart is breaking -- I hope you find peace to heal.
My heart aches, my tears gather.
From the time that I first read Sarah's blog I have thought of her often, particulary when I look at my fair skin in the mirror and apply sunblock - something that I should have started doing years before reading Sarah's blog.
I honestly believe that thoughts of Sarah will never leave me - the intimacy and importance of her words will live on with her memory - I assure you of this Derek.
L.
After spending the better part of a day reading Sarah's blog, I feel like I've been cheated and cheated her by not knowing her sooner.
Her strength is unparalleled, and her legacy will not be forgotten.
Rest in peace Sarah, you have left your mark in this world.
My deepest condolences to you and your family. I'm crying for you. I HATE it when I see someone so young having to leave this world. Sarah touched me in so many ways. Her blog is priceless. Grieve for Sarah and hopefully someday you will come to some peace.
Olivia mom to Shayna (3-1-74~9-1-98)
My deepest sympathies to you Derek and your family. I worked with you both years ago at Wal-Mart. I could not believe what I read last night..A few of us at work remember you and Sarah and you are in our thoughts and prayers.
I have been reading Sarah's blog since when it was first started. She has touched my life and many other lives.
Derek, my deepest condolences to you and your families. My thoughts are with you. Sarah is at peace now but she will not be forgotten.
I just read the entire story of Sarah and I can't stop crying....She is now free of pain and watching over you Derek and your family....You are in my thoughts and prayers.....I am one who loves the "sun" but not anymore.....and I am going to see my doctor to have some things looked at. Sarah is an inspiration to me and I will remember her always.....
May she rest in peace. Please accept my condolences, Derek. I am greatful for knowing Sarah and you, even if it is through the blog. Thank you.
I'm saddened to hear this.
May she rest in peace.
God bless
Derek
I am so sorry for the loss of your inspiring and courageous wife. May she be where she will no longer suffer any pain. She is now free and looking down on her angel, you...
Rest in peace, Sarah.
Derek,
My deepest condolences. I stayed up the whole night reading Sarah's blog. I cried and laughed, she has an amazing spirit. I am thinking of you
My deepest sympathies.
I am so sorry for your loss Derek. My thoughts and prayers are with your families at this time.
may you find peace in knowing that you now have a guardian angel. God Bless.
My deepest sympathies.
Post a Comment
<< Home