Reclaiming The Woods A Memoir of Healing

This is a love story. It is a journey through horrendous grief, traveling through unbelievable shock to a destination of giving, sharing love in the way it is supposed to be--universal. When I read Marlys in Heaven some time ago, my heart was deeply touched. This book is what was done with those memories.

How does our culture see love? Romantic, and certainly, this was a huge part of recovery. Love is vast. I'm reminded of my high school motto: Amor Vincit Omnia. Love conquers all.

When I read on, I realized that these two amazing people took that pain and, together with their faith, did so much to bring love to the less fortunate.

They didn't just accept the churches' teachings; they examined who would touch their hearts and souls to do so much for Marlys's memory. It is that love that sustains them to this day. Overcoming is not the same as getting over. Simply, that beloved daughter will always remain the Grand Canyon of their hearts as they continue on their spiritual path. It seems to me they have planted beautiful flowers in that canyon in memory of the lovely Marlys. In their case, there is a strong practical aspect. The reality is that people are suffering all over the world. Fran and John have done so much to alleviate that condition. I am writing the effect this book had on me. Nothing I say will do it justice. It is a must-read for all. Not only does it highlight the huge risks they had to take, the decisions they made, the disappointment, setbacks, joys. It is a testament to Marlys, who turned grief into intense love and commitment.

I am reminded of a tapestry that hangs on my office door from the Dalai Lama: This is my simple religion. There is no need for temples. No need for complicated philosophies. My brain and my heart are my temples. My philosophy is kindness.

This is how I see Fran and John. They have taken what was the unthinkable and made it into a vibrant memorial to the beautiful Marlys. This is the sentence that summed it all up for me: "When driving along the Saint Croix River Fran said... 'I miss Marlys but I have my memories. I need to live with what I have now. Just keep driving.'" So that's what they did and are still doing--driving on.

Yvonne Kaye, PhD, MSC

www.yvonnekayewisdom.com