Today is September the 22th and many of you already know what I am about to write. Shereen made her final transition on September 11, 2003 at 4:15PM. She had fought the fight valiantly, but her body could not go on. Her spirit, however, will live on forever in her work, from her teaching and the countless people like you that she touched and who touched her. As I pound away on the keys, I can see and hear Shereen doing the same communication. I miss her alot.
Let me tell you some things -- Shereen was not in pain at the end. We had obtained a hospital bed which was right next to me in our bedroom. Shereen was peaceful and comfortable in her final hours. The bed was adjusted so that she could breath better. The Hospice Nurse was with me when she transitioned. I am so thankful that I was, we were not alone. After her death, we dressed Shereen in some pretty clothes. She was taken to the mortiary about 9:00 PM. I spent alot of time with Shereen before she left. In fact, I kept thinking she'd wake up and say, "Let's watch a movie!"
Shereen was cremated of Tuesday of the next week. My Mother and I drove down to Santa Rosa for the ceremony. Flowers were placed upon Shereen's box and we both wrote messages on the box top. Then, Mom and I had a Shereen's life celebration picnic under a beautiful small tree next to the room where the cremation took place. We spent a considerable amount of time looking through photo albums and talking about our married life together. My Mother was great -- she gave me some quiet time alone. I stretched out upon the small bench under that beautiful tree and for 45 minutes listened to the Loving Spoonful singing our favorite songs and rmembering so many wonderful and happy times we spent together. Next, Mom and I sat next to the building for another 45 minutes when David (ironic, isn't it?) the technician who performed the creamtion came around to tell us the ceremony for Mrs. LaPlantz was finished. We said a few more prayers and departed for home. Shereen's ashes were delivered the next evening.
So now you have lived the experience through my eyes and heart.
Please do not mourn for Shereen. She is directing a Book Arts Class in another demension right now and telling wonderful stories and relating all of the facts and vast information stored in her beautiful head. Live your lives in her spirit. Make great and inspirational art books. Delve into topics that stretch your heads, hearts and imaginations as Shereen would demand. Don't cop out! Be all and more of who you can and will be. Push those binding possibilities to the limit, make fun fold outs, pop ups, whatever and do it in the spirit of love and devotion for an artist who really gave her all. Shereen's spirit is always present and guiding us all in ways we cannot imagine.
The Hospice of Humboldt in Eureka, CA was the means that has kept me sane. Donations, in Shereen's name, to our Hospice or the Hospice in your area will greatly enhance other peoples' lives and would be wonderful.
Love and Smiles,
David