“...were we led all that way for Birth or Death? There was a Birth, certainly, We had evidence and no doubt. I had seen birth and death, But had thought they were different”-- T.S. Elliot, Journey of the Magi
Today is Jeanie Wylie-Kellermann's funeral in Detroit (above, with husband Bill). We know Jeanie and Bill through Sojourners. The journal of Jeanie's long illness and her passing is a very moving testament to the difference that community-based living (and dying) makes. Wendy and I are sad to hear that Jeanie has died, but happy to remember that the years since her first seizure (1998) were filled with loving companions who never stopped supporting and caring for her and her family. I worked with Bill on Sojourners Board during much of the time Jeanie was sick and have been honoured and very moved by the difficult journey they have been on and the way they shared it with us. Death is always a tragedy for those left behind, but there's a real sign in the way Jeanie died of a different way of living that in and of itself shows that death isn't the final word for any of us.
If you have a chance read their "How's Jeanie" journal. Jeanie wrote the first entries, then Bill continued. Here's the link: http://www.thewitness.org/howsjeanie/index.html
Wendy and I send lift prayers of grace and thanksgiving for Jeanie, Bill, and their daughters, Lydia and Lucy.
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Update (1-14-06): Here are two obituaries for Jeanie.
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