Widow's Voice

What number of miracles brings us to this place?

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For 15 years, I worked in the development department of a local non-profit and I remember the needs of the community far outweighing the funds available to support the folks in need. So, it warmed my heart this past Saturday to witness an evening where hope soared. Soaring Spirits International successfully hosted an inspiring fundraiser to benefit widows and widowers asking “what now?” after their person dies.

The photo below takes me to a deeper dive.

Its image speaks of those present and one who is missing—my beloved husband, Dan, the father and grandfather of our precious family shown below.

 

“What you are supporting tonight is not grief. What you are supporting tonight is resilience.”

Michele Neff Hernandez–Hope Rises Gala, 2023

Family photo at the Hope Rises event.
Michele Neff Hernandez (front row, right) with her brother, Michael, in the cowboy hat and husband, Michael Dare. Top row: Danielle (sister), Kathie (mom), Denise (sister), Joshua (son), David (brother), Caitlin (daughter), Joaquin (son-in-law), Danny (brother), John (son), Debi (sister). The cowboy hat is present in honor of Cowboy Dan, Michele’s papa and my beloved husband of 51 years, 9 months.

 

If you were here, Dan, we’d whisper,

That’s our baby! Full grown and creating something wonderful from tragedy.

We would speak of our love and our pride in each and every one smiling at us from the photo, and we would ask:

What number of miracles brings us to this place?

Too many to count.

dan neff

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

About Kathie Neff

Kathie Neff was widowed on April 15, 2021. She and her beloved husband, Dan, were high school sweethearts and enjoyed dancing and riding horses together. They lived in gratitude, hope and forgiveness for 50 years and nine months when Dan passed quietly late at night, surrounded by their seven children who, with Kathie, were caring for him in their family home.

Dan and Kathie have been a part of Camp Widow and Soaring Spirits International since its inception, as members of Michele Neff Hernandez’s cadre of helpers from the Neff family.

Kathie believes strongly in the strength and bond that is the gift of community and brings a heart of love for all who have been affected by death and dying.

Long live love. XO