I'M HOPING that if I click my heels together three times, I'll wake up and this is just a bad dream. Not the case.

Jim wanted me to speak today. I would not wish to avoid that responsibility.

We've all been influenced by Jim; his gentleness and his passion for life.

I'm privileged to have been close beside Jim through his recent battles. Jim made sure during this time that we shared that we grew together through love.

Alicia's Poem, by Mary Elizabeth Frye, reflects Jim's wishes for Matisse, for Tiernan and for me. It also reflects his wishes for all those that loved him.

Do not stand at my grave and weep,
I am not there, I do not sleep.
I am 1000 winds that blow,
I am the diamond glints on snow,
I am the sunlight on ripened grain,
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you wake in the morning's hush,
I am the swift, uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circling flight.
I am the soft star-shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and weep,
I am not there, I do not sleep.
Do not stand at my grave and cry,
I am not there, I did not die.

The Stynes family asks that donations be made to either The Jim Stynes Future Fund or Peter Mac Cancer Foundation