October

Well, it's October, and autumn is here.  My whole life, it has been my favorite season, with the crunchy leaves, the crisp air, and the bluster.  So it's sad to experience it without Ethan here.  Miles & I continue to do okay.  It's definitely a challenge, but I feel as if we're in a nice little rhythm now.  I'm back working full-time (2 classes this quarter), and Miles is in Pre-K four days a week. 

Larry Symons hosted an Open House on campus last week (thank you Larry!), and lots of people came to remember Ethan.  Not that I need reminders, but it's always nice to hear from others whose lives he touched.  And this community continues to amaze me for its kindness and love. 

Though Ethan & I weren't married, we certainly considered ourselves as such.  And neither of us are/were big jewelry wearers.  But recently I've been wearing a lovely Mother-of-Pearl pendant, and to me, it's having Ethan close to my heart.  (It's a "fancy" letter E.)  This morning, Miles asked me, "why are you wearing a backwards 3?"  Made me smile. 

Love,
~Grace

Maine Memorial Service

I just wanted to share a photo from Ethan's Portland Memorial Service.  As in Bellingham, it was lovely and thoughtful, with lots of tears, and more importantly, laughter shared in memory of Ethan.  After the service, we all walked to the water and threw stones gathered from Orr's Island.  I like to picture the ripples, as Ethan's love, expanding forever into the ocean, and our hearts. 

Thank you everyone,
~Grace

Sorry for the radio silence

Hi Everyone,

I'm not quite sure what to say, other than an enormous THANK YOU for your outpouring of warmth, support, kindness, flowers, food, lawn care, etc. etc. etc.  As you might imagine, the last month has been a pretty crazy time, but Team Remmel was aided by such love that this sad journey is easier to bear. 

Ethan's Memorial Service was b-e-a-u-t-i-f-u-l!  The venue was absolutely perfect, and the weather cooperated -- we were near the water, listened to Ethan's favorite music, poetry, and ate good food.  It was held on what would have been his 42nd birthday and I think the service really celebrated his life in a way that was fitting of the wonderful partner, son, father, colleague, and friend that he was.  I felt truly part of a pretty special community.  Additional and heartfelt thanks to Chuck Remmel, Larry Symons, and Eric Martin for the lovely stories they shared.  Thanks also to Lynn Coakley for the gorgeous program. 

There will be another service in Maine on August 21st.  I know that it will be just as special, memorable, and beautiful as the Bellingham one.  We hope to see some of you Mainers there. 

Love,
Grace

Article in the Bellingham Herald

Dean Kahn, a reporter for the Bellingham Herald, contacted me last week after reading Ethan's obituary.  He was moved by Ethan's journey and asked if I would like to talk to him.  Here's the resulting article:  http://www.bellinghamherald.com/2011/06/19/2064716/wwu-professor-blogs-about-living.html

I believe that his online obituary is only available for a few more days, so if you wish to access it, you should do it soon. 

The plans for Ethan's memorial service are coming together nicely; my hope is that it will celebrate Ethan's life in a joyous way.  Hope to see some of you there!  (A Maine service will take place later in the summer.) 

~Grace

Ethan's Obituary

http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/bellinghamherald/obituary.aspx?n=ethan-ryan-remmel&pid=151935168

(If the link doesn't work, you can search for it at http://www.bellinghamherald.com/)

I will continue to update this blog periodically, so check back! We hope to see many of you West Coasters in a few weeks...

Love,
~Grace

Our Beloved Ethan

Many of you may have heard the news by now, and if not, I'm sorry that you are reading about it for the first time here.  Ethan died yesterday, Monday June 13th, surrounded by his loved ones.  Both his parents held a hand, Eric stood with us, and I was snuggled in his arms, holding him, and loving him as we all have, for as long as we have known him. 

Strange as it may be to say, the past year was a gift.  Immediately after the diagnosis, we weren't sure if he was even going to survive the hospital stay.  Not only did he survive another year, we -- Team Remmel, of which you are all a part -- were truly blessed with many adventures (hikes, long walks, family vacations, another season of The Office, lots of sports games on TV) and times of happiness.  Ethan and I took our first vacation together, to Hawaii -- without the kids! -- and I will treasure those sunny days forever. 

On Sunday afternoon, we all went to Clayton Beach.  It was a beautiful day, and I am grateful that his last day was spent frolicking in the waters, playing with his sons, and loving all of us. 

He leaves behind a very, very sad family and community of friends and fans.  His sons will continue his beautiful spirit.  I have never known a braver man who faced death with so much more dignity and grace (ha). 

Thank you, Team Remmel!

Thanks