by Cheryl Heykoop
You, my love, are magnificent. You are the embodiment of grace, perseverance, and joy. Your laughter, your presence, radiate like the sun, like the bursting of blossoms reaching. Love is you. You are love.
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I recall the first moment meeting you on the ferry. That awkward moment when you are searching for someone but don’t know who.
Yet quickly and swiftly, we became friends, like the currents of the ocean we went deep together. There is no one else I would rather ride a magic carpet ride with or laugh and cry into a puddle of tears. Love is you. You are love.
Lise, I am grateful to you for so many moments… 100 km bike rides; ½ marathons where you pushed me across the finish line; my two children (you were the one who swiped yes on my Tinder account); endless adventures (Palm Springs, Pender, Port Renfrew, and so many more). These moments are etched so deeply on my soul. Love is you. You are love.
You, Lise, have taught me to say yes to life, to love, to humanity. You have inspired me to laugh more, do more, and live life differently – more fulsomely, more wholesomely. You are love in all of its fullness. Love is you. You are love.
In this moment, breathe, trust, know, you are surrounded and held. We are basking in your beauty. We are in awe of your preciousness. We are here with you, loving you. Love is you. You are love.
Thank you for your teachings, your friendship, and your profound and enduring love. Thank you for being you. We are so blessed to know you. Love is you. You are love.
Cheryl Heykoop first came to Callanish as a retreat participant in 2018 with Lise and a group of fabulous young adults who formed a lifelong friendship. She co-leads the Callanish virtual circle and will be riding in the Whistler Gran Fondo in honour of Lise to support Callanish. Her work is committed to transforming cancer care for young adults.