I do not want to write this. I do not. I’ve put it off for nearly a year. It’s just too sad. Too wrong. Too unfair.
I’ll just remember:
I remember when I first met Mary Ellen. She came to Women At Woodstock for the first time in 2013, back when we were still meeting at Emerson Resort and Spa. I remember her strong presence; a mix of confidence and quiet.
And I remember her vulnerability. Sitting in the Great Room during our Mastermind Session, in a circle of sofas occupied by women she’d only just met, Mel spoke of her life honestly and openly. I was so impressed by her willingness to trust all of us – and I’ve come to realize, over the years, that this is often what happens when a group of women over 50 gathers: trust, listening, compassion. I’m so glad Mel received that from us. And I witnessed her giving the same to others at Women At Woodstock, over and over again in the years that followed.
I am stunned that she is gone. And I know I am not alone in that. So many posted their grief, their stories, their remembrances on her Facebook page and their own pages too when Mel left us. I was stunned into silence back then and am only coming into acceptance now. So, I’m finally saying Goodbye, Mary Ellen. It was good to know you. I’m so very sorry you’re gone, and I so wish the best for your daughter, who you spoke of so often with such clear, deep love–and the anguish of not wanting, ever, to have to say goodbye. Of course, we all will have to do that one day. It’s just that your day came way, way too early.
Thanks to all the ladies. I have no words. Not only was Mary Ellen my sister, but she was my best friend too. Part of me left with her when she passed on to heaven. I love you all.
She spoke of you often when she was here with us. I, personally, was so impressed with what a stalwart support and companion you were. Clearly there was no question that you would be at her side, always, when needed. That’s rare, even among siblings, maybe more so from a brother. Men are often not given permission, or shown the way, to be caring in the way that women are told they should be. You surmounted that. And so she was loved. What a gift you gave her.
If any of you wonderful ladies have some pictures of Mary Ellen, I would be so grateful if you could send me copies. My email address is, kenhume55@gmail.com . Thank you so much and God bless you for being such good friends to Mary Ellen.
Ken
Ken –
Apologies for the delay in responding. Yes, I will send you some photos and I know others have some great photos too. I’ll send out an email to our alums with a specific request. We were glad to be good friends to Mel; she was surely a good friend to us and we miss her dearly.
With love,
Ann
Hello Ann.
My mother Would often speak about what a wonderful time she had at the retreat @Woodstock. She truly did learn to grow and be happier and be calmer and more mindful while she was there. Being surrounded by like-minded open individuals with some thing that she needed so much in her life. Her existence was truly one of love and kindness and wanting to pass on that love and kindness to anyone she came across. I’ve just seen this as I’ve been looking up some information and I have to say that I am so glad that you all got the chance to know the person that my mother was. All that I can do is continue to pass that kindness down by doing the best that I can every day by complementing somebody’s dress by sharing my art by sharing my love and especially sharing stories that she and I had experience together that I’m sure no one would ever believe. I am especially grateful that she left a mark on people because no one in my life have I ever known to be more humble to be more graciousMore honest and truly a beautiful spirit than my mom. Life has been extremely hard without her constant shoulder and I truly miss the times where I would make her laugh so hard that She would cry. I remember the year that she didn’t think that she was going to be able to go and people pull together and she was able to make it. I believe that year I drove her there and I just remember her face beaming as we pulled up the tree line pass. I am so glad that you were all there for her because she really did love everything about going to women at Woodstock. Thank you for being her friend and thank you so much for posting this beautiful tribute. I would really love to be in contact so you can reach me at 603-380-5455 please feel free to text me anytime I would really love to talk to some people who knew her As a friend I would love to share some stories I’d love to hear some stories I always heard great stories when she would come back from seeing you guys. I truly believe that the loss of my mom had a ripple effect that I’m only still hearing of. She was my best friend she was my confidant and I was hers. The last year of her life is very difficult but I did the best I could and we all did. She did so much for me in her life that I felt as though I only ordered her to do the best that I could while she was sick. But I could still at least make her crack up even on her worst days. Thank you again so much for posting this she truly loved you guys and she truly love the experience that she had there I hope to hear from you soon and possibly before I move maybe even attend.
Her daughter
Emily
Emily, how happy I am to hear from you, and how warm it makes me feel to hear, from you, what Women At Woodstock meant to your mother. I miss her. I know you do too. I hope you’re doing OK – and yes, if you can ever attend, that would be wonderful for all of us!