A Moment of Silence

Dear Friends Near and Far,

As you know, at the heart of our work is the intention to support those facing the end of life. We also assist loss-survivors to cope with grief. On the prompting of a friend, who lives near Newtown, Connecticut, I recently took time to visit a website remembering the shooting victims. While looking into the faces of Olivia, Charlotte, Daniel and the other children, I am struck by the beauty in each child’s face; the light within them. When I read about their principal and teachers who also gave up their lives that day, I am struck by their courage. My heart cannot help but contract, my tears cannot help but to mingle with a nation grieving. How does anyone help those coping with this kind of grief? A moment of silence is not enough; it cannot be enough. But if you are reading this now, please join the millions who have held a moment of silence for this group of souls who left this world in such an unimaginable manner. Speaking through the tears of his own grief, one child’s father offered sympathy to the gunman’s family. May we all be so gracious. May grace come gently to those who remain in the shadow of this loss. May peace prevail upon earth. May we each invoke something useful for coping with this kind of grief and pay it forward in kind.

As the dark night deepens and Solstice brings the promise of light returning, Further Shore folds its wings for the Winter season. A gift today from me to all of you is a link to an 8 minute Youtube http://youtu.be/TcoMiGiDRjg that speaks of love, death and All that is Holy in a poem by Derrick Brown. On behalf of all of us at Further Shore, I give thanks for your continued support and wish you a New Year filled with love, peace and good health. Wayne’s House will reopen in the Spring. Until then, Warm Wishes for a beautiful holiday season. ~ Aleia

Giving Thanks

Dear Further Shore Friends,

We are currently in gentle support of six TLC (Tender Loving Care) clients. We are able to do so because of your generous support. Please note the long list of “Bone Dance Gratitude” below! You have helped us to continue our TLC Client Support Program into 2013. On Thanksgiving Day, and every day, it is useful to recall and participate in the practice of gratitude. Albert Schweitzer reminds us:  “At times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person. Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us.” During this Thanksgiving weekend, I am lighting a candle for those who have recently helped rekindle my flame. I invite you all to do the same. On behalf of those we serve, “THANK YOU” and may your holiday be filled with gratitude for that which brings your joy.

Warmly,
Aleia O’Reilly

Further Shore wants to give a huge “Thank You” to everyone who helped to make That's Life! A Bone Dance, a great success.  The grand ballroom at the Radisson Woodlands Hotel was rocking and reeling on October 27^th as costumed revelers remembered and celebrated dear ones who have passed on. Funds were raised to support Further Shore’s mission to provide prehospice education and services for those with end of life concerns. Designing and executing this annual fund raising gala would not happen without generous community support. We want to take this opportunity to express our deepest gratitude to the following individuals and businesses that contributed to this year’s success.

Thanks to our sponsors:  The Roberts Family Foundation, Arapas, Inc., Deckers Outdoor Corporation, Findlay Toyota, Hospice Compassus, Meg Leander MEd, Northern Arizona Healthcare and the Flagstaff Medical Center Foundation, & Swire Coca-Cola. 

Thanks to event donors: Joanie Abbott, Susana Acosta-Cavert, Arapas, Inc., Bearizona, Clarence Clearwater, Cosmic Distributing, Sally Evans, Grand Canyon Railway, Aileen Judson, Lil’ Bug Organics, Lytle’s Ladle, Lumberman’s Bar & Grill, Gayle McGuinness, The Green Room, The Pine Thongs, Katie Proctor, Timothy Prow, Rabbit Hill Crafts, Radisson Woodlands Hotel, Raquel Rotnes, Jennifer Star, Suddenlink, Tooniks Clothing, Anna Vagnino, Bee Valvo, Judith Waidelich, Jan Wentworth, and Wild West Junction.

Thanks to the unforgettable and amazing entertainers who shared their many talents and livened the night: Clarence Clearwater, Vincent Z & The Gypsy Chicks – Pamela & Annette, The SPOKES Band - featuring Jimmy DeBlois, Roger Smith, Jerry Korkki & Andrew Lauher and guest singer Jennifer Williams.

The Table Captains get great thanks for doing so much footwork to fill the room with generous, caring members of our community: Joanie Abbott, Kelly Carruthers, Penny Cook, Leilani Dobric, Kathy DuPrez, Dot Dunn, Rajean Bifano-Elsey, Deb Gaul, Nancy Helin, Mary Hotstetler, Aly Jordan, Angela Krupica, Christie Laguna, Meg Leander, Michele Lytle, Robert McCarter, Gayle McGuinness, Susanne One Love, Kay Pinto, Raquel Rotnes, Chuck Ruscher, Nan Schouf, Kat Seekatz, Bee & John Valvo

Last, but certainly not least: special thanks to our volunteers whose generous giving of their time and energy keeps the heart of Further Shore beating: Shannon Arnett, Clarence Clearwater, Shayna & Marc Diamond-Atonna, Mary Giffi, Nancy Helin, Pam Hopkins, Aileen Judson, Meg Leander, Jamie Martinez, Robert McCarter, Jack Pelton, Katie Proctor, Raquel Rotnes, Chris Stubler, Jim Torson, Bee Valvo, Eileen Westphal and Jennifer Williams.

Reservations Closing

The 2012 Bone Dance online reservation option will close on Saturday, October 20^th at noon. No further reservations will be accepted after this time. Photo submissions for the memorial slide presentation will also close at that time. If you missed the submission date for slides, there will be a Memory Table to place photos for the evening.

A huge shout out of “Thanks” to this year’s Table Captains for doing a fabulous job to sell out the room:  Bee Valvo/Kathy Duprez, Nan Schoaf, Aly Jordan, Leilani Dobric, Christie Laguna, Penny Cook/Kelly Carruthers, Raquel Rotnes/Nancy Helin, Deb Gaul-Lash, Meg Leander, Angela Krupica, Kay Pinto, Kat Seekatz, Susanne One Love, Michele Lytle, Gayle McGuinness, Chuck Ruscher/Mary Hotstetler, Joanie Abbott, Dot Dunn, and Rajean Bifano-Elsey.

Another extra shout of “Thanks” to:  Bee & John Valvo for donating a LARGER DANCE FLOOR. See you all at the Gala. More information at: http://furthershore.org/Events/BoneDance.aspx

Fall News

Greetings from Flagstaff! ~ What a beautiful time of the year on the sacred peaks. Trees are beginning to blush with gold, burgundy and orange. There is a chill in the night air and transitions abound. During this season, more than any other, let us remember to stay present to what is falling away to make space for something new. Bright blessings as we bring in the late harvest abundance and tuck into a quieter place. Aleia

Last call for Reservations is October 10^th for our 7^th Annual fund raiser and memorial gala, “That’s Life A Bone Dance” to be held on Saturday, October 27^th from 6-11 p.m. at the Radisson Woodlands Hotel in Flagstaff.  The gala features the music of Jimmy DeBlois and Spokes, Clarence Clearwater with Live and Silent Auctions, surprise entertainment and more. This is an advance reservation only event. Visit http://furthershore.org/Events/BoneDance.aspx

Naturally Caring- TLC for Care Givers Workshop #7. This month on October 17^th from 3-5 p.m. at the Joe Montoya Community Center, Michele Lytle and Katie Proctor will offer “Soul Soup - Nourishment for Body and Soul”. You will learn how to make and enjoy two delicious, nutritious soups, discover time and money saving tips to help you de-stress and re-connect with your food and your body! Come sample the soups while deepening awareness for eating mindfully.

Late Summer News Brief

Abundant yellow flowers herald late Summer here in Flagstaff; beautiful sunny days mixed with booming monsoon rains have blessed the mountain. Robert and I will be away from phone and email until September 4^th. If you need to inquire about our programs, please contact Meg Leander at 928-221-1600. Enjoy this late Summer beauty. Blessings, Aleia O’Reilly

The Crow’s Nest Support and Discussion Group has been cancelled until further notice. Naturally Caring TLC for Care Givers will be held as usual on Wednesday, September 19^th from 3-5 p.m. at the Joe Montoya Senior and Community Center. The topic is “Trauma Relief for Coping with Dementia” co-facilitated by Aleia O’Reilly and Meg Leander.

Mark your calendars for our 7^th Annual fund raiser and memorial gala, “That’s Life A Bone Dance” to be held on Saturday, October 27^th from 6-11 p.m. at the Radisson Woodlands Hotel in Flagstaff. This is an advance reservation only event, so let us know if you wish to attend. You can find out more or order tickets on our website.

Summer News Brief

Naturally Caring TLC for Care Givers Workshop #4 is coming up on Wednesday, July 18^th from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. at the Joe Montoya Senior & Community Center. “Identifying Family Based Strengths and Healing for Challenges” will be offered by Meg Leander. During this FREE workshop you will learn the importance of and strategies for self-care while caring for others. Call 928-525-2910 to pre-register or for more information.

The Crow’s Nest will return on Wednesday, August 1^st from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. Helping individuals and families chart a course through times of transition, this monthly discussion and support group offers a safe space to discuss strengths and challenges, swap resources for optimal quality of life and improve communication of needs. Facilitated by Meg Leander; offered freely.

Hold the Date for Further Shore’s 7^th annual fund raiser and memorial gala. “That’s Life – A Bone Dance” will be held on Saturday, October 27^th from 6:00 to 11:00 p.m. at the Radisson Woodlands Hotel in Flagstaff. This is a reservation only event. Contact us by August 1^st if your business would like to sponsor the event or if you wish to serve as a Table Captain.

On Saturday July 21, 2012 former TLC Client, Kat Seekatz will participate in the "Relay for Life", a fundraiser for the American Cancer Society. This event is staged in many cities across the country. During the event, lighted luminarias are placed along the walking path dedicated to loved ones who had cancer. Participants will walk around a designated track anytime between 6 p.m. on the 21^st of July and 6 a.m. on the 22^nd. Kat hopes to walk two shifts, one at sunset and one at dawn in honor of VTara Ruscher. The event will take place at the Williams Rec Center. If you wish to support her walk, contact her at kat@cclearwater.com for details.

In Loving Memory of VTara

In Loving Memory of VTara
On Father’s Day, June 17^th our beloved TLC Client and friend, Victoria (VTara) Ruscher passed into spirit. Born on March 1, 1956 in Omaha, NE and moved to Flagstaff in 1995, VTara was trained as a rebirther, Flower of Life facilitator and Reiki Master. As an artist she worked with drawing, painting, jewelry and fabric arts. Her family enjoyed camping and traveling to beautiful natural places in the desert Southwest, Pacific North, Mexico and Germany. A graduate of the Flagstaff Leadership Program, she was an active volunteer in a variety of community action and service groups. She has been a client with Further Shore since January of 2008 when she was diagnosed with colon cancer. Her physical presence is dearly missed, the memories we shared will sustain us, and her radiance will continue to inspire and teach us.

VTara’s Memorial and Celebration of Life

Date: Saturday, July 7^th

Time: Gathering at 5:00 p.m. and Ceremony from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Place: The Nordic Center – about 15 miles north of Flagstaff on Highway 180 at mile marker 232 (on the east side of the road).

What to bring and social time: Feel free to bring your own snack or picnic if you come at 5:00 p.m. as the ceremony time runs through the dinner hour. There are some folding chairs available at the Nordic, but bring a folding chair if you wish. After the ceremony, Chuck’s camper will be set up in National Forest nearby (FR 794 just south of the Nordic at mile marker 231 on the east side of the road and about 1 mile back; he will post signs and maps will be available after the ceremony). He welcomes all to join him camping overnight or to visit camp for a while that night or Sunday a.m.. Please bring whatever you may need (camping gear, food, beverages).

Obituary: will appear in the Arizona Daily Sun tomorrow (both in the paper and online -- http://azdailysun.com/)

In lieu of flowers the family request donations be made to Further Shore, Inc. P. O. Box 23518; Flagstaff, AZ  86002

RSVP or Questions:  info@furthershore.org

When Great Trees Fall
Maya Angelou

When great trees fall, rocks on distant hills shudder,
lions hunker down in tall grasses,
and even elephants lumber after safety.

When great trees fall in forests,
small things recoil into silence,
their senses eroded beyond fear.

When great souls die, the air around us becomes
light, rare, sterile. We breathe, briefly.
Our eyes, briefly, see with a hurtful clarity.
Our memory, suddenly sharpened,
examines, gnaws on kind words
unsaid, promised walks never taken.

Great souls die and our reality, bound to
them, takes leave of us.
Our souls, dependent upon their
nurture, now shrink, wizened.
Our minds, formed and informed by their
radiance, fall away.
We are not so much maddened
as reduced to the unutterable ignorance
of dark, cold caves.

And when great souls die, after a period peace blooms,
slowly and always irregularly.  Spaces fill
with a kind of soothing electric vibration.
Our senses, restored, never to be the same, whisper to us.
They existed.  They existed.
We can be.  Be and be better.  For they existed.

Further Shore's News Brief

Dear Further Shore Friends,

The wind is roaring in Arizona and with it comes a feeling of cleansing and change. I want to share about a couple items that have crossed my desk recently while I am avidly researching Near Death Experiences (NDE) phenomena. First, I think you might enjoy watching a youtube of Dr. Eben Alexander III, a neurosurgeon who had a NDE in 2008. Having read about NDE’s for over 30 years, the material is not new to me.  Eben’s story, however, is really unique. Watch all 49 minutes to understand how a “beautiful butterfly girl” helped Dr. Alexander to believe that we are on a tipping point about life, death, consciousness and compassion. http://nhne-pulse.org/dr-eben-alexander-discusses-his-remarkable-nde/

Next up:  two books. Dying To Be Me by Anita Moorjani is an autobiography telling of her NDE (cancer related) and offers another amazing perspective on life after life. It is beautifully written and describes several little miracles for Anita including a connection with Dr. Wayne Dyer, who was instrumental in getting the book published quickly. Backwards: Returning to our Source for Answers by Nanci Danison offers a detailed account of the author’s NDE and perspective about human life on earth that is fascinating and healing. I highly recommend her CD’s and DVD’s as well. Her website is http://www.backwardsbooks.com/index.html

Lastly, David Sunfellow founder of New Heaven-New Earth in Sedona has been offering a series of public talks on the subject of “How NDE’s are changing the world”. You can find some more information here http://nhne-nde.org/ Thanks to Jim Torson for these recommendations that are helping my studies. Thanks to VTara Ruscher for recommending Anita’s book.

Registration for the July 20^th/21^st session of Bridging the Gap is now open. If you are interested in attending session, please email us a request to receive the Intake Package at info@furthershore.org. You can learn more about Bridging the Gap at our website www.furthershore.org

Blessings, Aleia

Late Spring News Brief

A huge “Thank You” to everyone who shopped at New Frontiers Natural Marketplace on 5% Wednesday. The day was a wonderful success thanks to you. Please keep in mind that 5% Wednesday happens every month on the 3^rd Wednesday. It’s a great way to support local nonprofits!

Donning Our Aprons! - Dine in or take out at Wildflower Bread Company on Wednesday, June 13^th 2012 and help support local nonprofit, Further Shore to raise funds! For one evening only from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m., Wildflower will donate 15% of their sales to Further Shore when presented with this flyer www.furthershore.org/documents/WildFlower_Flyer_2012.pdf. In the spirit of community and fun, you will be greeted and served your meal by Further Shore staff and volunteers! It's called Neighborhood Nights and it's as easy as going out for a bite! Call 928-525-2910 for more information.

Join us for The Crow's Nest on Wednesday, June 6^th from 5:30-7:00 p.m. The Crow's Nest is offered FREE to the public and is open to all. It will be held at the Joe Montoya Senior and Community Center at 245 N. Thorpe Road in the arts and crafts room.

Naturally Caring TLC for Care Givers 2012 -  Workshop #3 is entitled, "The Seven Levels of Healing Cancer" It will be held on Wednesday, June 20^th from 3-5 p.m. at the Joe C. Montoya Senior & Community Center at 245 N. Thorpe Road in Flagstaff. During this FREE workshop you will learn how to Expand and deepen your ability to care for the whole person throughout their cancer diagnosis and treatment. The session will be held in the arts and crafts room. Preregistration appreciated, but not required. For more info (928) 525-2910 or www.furthershore.org. Please check out this wonderful youtube that describes how one man is supporting his wife through breast cancer by donning a pink tutu! It will make you smile. http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/26184891/vp/47549293#47549293

In Loving Memory Further Shore offers heartfelt love and sympathy to the family of Jude Philbrick, Aleia’s long-time friend from St. Petersburg, Florida. Jude completed her physical life on Saturday, May 26^th in the company of her beloved husband, David, her parents, Ted and Geri Lenocker and her nephew Jackson. She was in the final stages of a rare cancer when she was flown by medical jet last Wednesday to the family farm in Iowa that she so loved. Jude was a graphic artist, world traveler, and avid gardener. She expressed care and kindness to everyone she met; often consoling others when they expressed worry about her. She leaves a legacy of abiding friendship, spiritual strength, joyful laughter and unconditional love that will be a source of comfort and will be long remembered by those who knew her.

Buy from Amazon.com and support Further Shore. Start at our home page www.FurtherShore.org and click on the link under "Don't Miss" on the right side of the page, and Further Shore will get 4% of sale.
Consider a tax deductible donation to support our work. Donate Now!
The second edition of Recipes from the Food Doctor and Friends is on sale now!

Further Shore Spring News Brief

Further Shore Fundraiser
Shop at New Frontiers Natural Marketplace in Flagstaff on Wednesday, May 16^th 2012 and help support local nonprofit, Further Shore to raise funds! For one day only, New Frontiers will donate 5% of their sales to Further Shore whose mission is to provide prehospice support and education for persons with end of life concerns. Further Shore representatives will be present to share information about their services. It's called 5% Wednesday and it's as easy as going shopping! Call 928-525-2910 for more information.

Join us for The Crow's Nest
On May 2nd from 5:30-7:00 p.m. If you are supporting a loved one with changing health circumstances or have questions about your own journey, join us for this monthly discussion and support group (Held the first Wednesday of each month; attend every time or drop in as needed). Meeting focus will be flexible according to the group's request. Optional topics include improving family dynamics and quality of life during transitions, understanding compassion fatigue, legal/medical choices, accepting changes gracefully, and more. Presented by Meg Leander, Counselor. Questions? Call 928-525-2910 or 928-221-1600. The Crow's Nest is offered FREE to the public and is open to all. It will be held at the Joe Montoya Senior and Community Center at 245 N. Thorpe Road in the arts and crafts room. Light refreshments will be served.

Naturally Caring TLC for Care Givers 2012
Workshop #2 is entitled, "Bowenwork ® Self-Care and Music as Medicine" It will be held on Wednesday, May 16 from 3-5 p.m. at the Joe C. Montoya Senior & Community Center at 245 N. Thorpe Road in Flagstaff. During this FREE workshop you will Relax with Bowenwork® and learn useful self-help "moves" for your survival tool box. Then enjoy music practices to promote wellness in yourself and others. Your presenters are Teresa Peterson, Accredited Bowenwork ® Practitioner and Meghan Callaghan, MT-BC. The session will be held in the arts and crafts room. Light refreshments will be served and certificates of completion awarded.  Preregistration appreciated, but not required. Contact us at (928) 525-2910 or www.furthershore.org. We are so grateful that both the Crow's Nest and Naturally Caring are funded in part by your donations and sponsorship by: Comfort Keepers Homecare, Findlay Toyota and Alexandra Shroufe, Attorney for Estate Planning and Elder Law.

Registration for the May session of Bridging the Gap is closed. If you are interested in attending the June session, please email us a request to receive the Intake Package at info@furthershore.org. You can learn more about Bridging the Gap at our website www.furthershore.org



Holding Space – A message from Aleia
We are currently holding sacred space for our TLC Client, VTara Ruscher. She has been a client since January of 2008 when she was diagnosed with colon cancer. She has valiantly faced surgeries, chemotherapy and a vast array of uncomfortable symptoms with grace, good humor and courage. During this time she joyfully welcomed a grandchild, visited with family and friends, created beautiful works of art, served as a Further Shore and Artist Coalition volunteer, facilitated Llumination Quests, participated in the Climb to Cure Cancer and inspired everyone within her influence to remain hopeful, forgiving, positive and embracing of life. She and her husband, Chuck, just bought a home here in Flagstaff, and plan to move within a week or two. 
VTara is entering the next stage of her journey with the same radiance and grace she always shows us. As of last week she entered hospice at home; as cancer has progressed in her body to where the chemo is no longer helpful. May these next weeks or months be blessed with magic and miracles for her and her family. May she find her new home to be perfect in every way. She knows deeply that her essence goes beyond bodily expression; she is eating, resting and feeling well right now. She is focused on that feeling. She is beginning to sense the vastness that awaits us all. She is approaching these changes with her eyes wide open, steadfast, beautiful. Please join me, her family, and her community of dear friends in holding this sacred space for VTara.
A special request VTara has made is that we join her in the practice of Ho’oponopono (an ancient Hawaiian practice of reconciliation and forgiveness). She has made this practice an integral part of her spiritual life and it has served her deeply in all her relationships. Ponopono is defined as “to put to rights; to put in order or shape, correct, revise, adjust, amend, regulate, arrange, rectify, tidy up, make orderly or neat.” So, you may offer this practice by visualizing VTara, her family, her community and the world in light and love and to then say: “I am sorry.”  “Please forgive me.” “Thank you.” “I love you.” (in any order you wish). This is to dispel any feelings of hurt or regretful interactions; to clear the slate and be in peace for any real or perceived judgments. Her friend, (M.D. in Nebraska) shared this beautiful Rumi message today. I share it now with you, humbly and with gratitude for our friend, V.

We are a haystack, the wheat entangled
with the hay;
Through the reviving wind, disentangle
the wheat from the hay,
Let the sorrow go to the sorrow, the joy
to the joy,
Let the mud go to the mud, and the heart
rise to heaven.

- Rumi

Spring News

Join us for The Crow's Nest
On April 4th from 5:30-7:00 p.m. If you are supporting a loved one with changing health circumstances or have questions about your own journey, join us for this monthly discussion and support group (Held the first Wednesday of each month; attend every time or drop in as needed). Meeting focus will be flexible according to the group's request. Optional topics include improving family dynamics and quality of life during transitions, understanding compassion fatigue, legal/medical choices, accepting changes gracefully, and more. Presented by Aleia O'Reilly, founder of Further Shore and Meg Leander, Counselor. Questions? Call 928-525-2910 or 928-221-1600. The Crow's Nest is offered FREE to the public and is open to all. It will be held at the Joe Montoya Senior and Community Center at 245 N. Thorpe Road in the arts and crafts room. Light refreshments will be served. 

Naturally Caring TLC for Care Givers kicks off the 2012 Series
Workshop #1 is entitled, "Care Choices & Five Wishes." It will be held on Wednesday, April 18 from 3-5 p.m. at the Joe C. Montoya Senior & Community Center at 245 N. Thorpe Road in Flagstaff. During this FREE workshop you will learn how to help yourself and those you care for to express physical, emotional and spiritual needs during serious illness and at end of life. Your presenters are Meg Leander, Counselor and Susanne One Love, R.N. The session will be held in the arts and crafts room. Light refreshments will be served and certificates of completion awarded.  Preregistration appreciated, but not required. Contact us at (928) 525-2910 or www.furthershore.org. We are so grateful that both the Crow's Nest and Naturally Caring are funded in part by your donations and sponsorship by: Comfort Keepers Homecare, Findlay Toyota and Alexandra Shroufe, Attorney for Estate Planning and Elder Law.

Call for Table Captains!
It is not too soon to think about think about That's Life- A Bone Dance 2012! Further Shore's 7th Annual Gala and Fundraiser will be held on Saturday, October 27, 2012 from 6-11 p.m. at the Radisson Woodlands Hotel in Flagstaff. This memorial event has become a beloved Flagstaff tradition. Please consider serving as an event Table Captain. Details to come.

Bridging the Gap
This training is required for Further Shore Volunteers and useful for anyone in a supportive role with loved ones in transition. It will be offered on May 11th and 12th. Registration is open for 2 additional participants. Please see the website for details about the training.  

See our calendar for details on these programs and others.

Late Winter News Brief

Dear Further Shore Friends,

I am reaching out today to suggest an amazing book, The Fault In Our Stars by John Green. It is a book about two teens, Hazel Grace and Augustus, who meet at the local "Cancer Kids Support Group" and fall in love. The book is about being teens living with the disease called cancer; but it is really about so much more. Luminous and at the same time raucously told from the teen point of view, it will leave you in laughter and tears. "The only thing worse about being a kid with cancer is being a parent with a kid with cancer, " says Hazel Grace in one reflective moment. The Fault In Our Stars invites everyone to let go of tip toeing around mortality and live out loud. If you order the book through this link, you can help us to raise funds for Naturally Caring - TLC for Caregivers! 

Our Calendar has been updated! You will want to mark your calendar for our new support group, The Crow's Nest, and check out the Naturally Caring-TLC for Caregivers 2012. These classes are part of our ongoing mission to provide education and resources for living well and dying with dignity. We offer the workshops FREE to the public. Thank you for your donations which make this possible! 

In the month of January it was my honor to serve TLC Client, Tim Whitney. While Tim was only a client for a short time, I was humbled by his strong spirit and generous heart. He was and still is beloved by local Colorado River Guides and a global community of friends and family.  You may read about his amazing life here. 

Tim actually passed on the same day as our beloved canine/coyote singer. . . Jake had a tumor removed from his leg on December 30th and had what looked like the miraculous recovery. He enjoyed a month of eating roasted chicken, walks in the forest snow and singing for treats. Full of grace, he departed early on January 30th in the gentle company of Robert, Madison, me and his docs (Westover and Crawford). Tim, also full of grace, passed on later that day in the gentle company of his beloved wife, Pam and his siblings. There have been many mystical moments associated with both their transitions. What I am left with is a gratitude that is impossible to express in words and some new friends who give a deeper meaning to the words "Further Shore." 

Warmly, Aleia O'Reilly 
Founder/Director

Happy New Year Everyone!

As most of you may know, Further Shore takes a rest in the deep winter months to reflect on the past year and envision plans for the new one. Reflections of last year include an amazing and successful Bone Dance! Please check out photos on our blog! A big "Thank You" to Jim Torson for service as our event photographer. While you are browsing, visit the home page to watch a short video introducing you to our TLC Client Support Program and Wayne's House. With your generous support we continue to fulfill our mission for these and other TLC Clients.

We are excited to be planning the "Naturally Caring TLC for Care Givers Series" from April - November at the Joe Montoya Senior Center. We will kick off the Series on April 18th. We will also add a monthly Support and Discussion Group with a focus on helpful navigational strategies for families in transition. Watch for details about both these programs in February!

We are most grateful to welcome Meg Leander to our team as my co-Koala Bear! "Koala Bear" is our playful name for someone who serves others as a "Quality of Life Advocate". Meg will assist me with Care Planning and Advocacy for our TLC clients. She is also be available to offer Llumination Quest facilitation in the comfort of YOUR home. You may contact her directly to schedule a Llumination session at 928-221-1600. you can learn more about Llumination at http://www.furthershore.org/About/Llumination.aspx. Sessions are offered on a sliding scale and are guaranteed to bring illumined insights and grace to your personal journey. Thank You and Blessings in the wonderful New Year of 2012,

Aleia