This afternoon at around 1PM Bonnie Johnson Shurman died of her third heart attack at Dosher Memorial Hospital in Southport NC. It appears that her Acute Myelogenous Leukemia may have returned: Bonnie's white blood count had plummeted from 17 to a dismally low of 1.8 in a few weeks. Normal numbers for a White Blood Count are 4 - 8.
Bonnie appeared to have about 1 year to live, for the last 9 years. She never asked "why me?" nor prayed for her life to be spared. Bonnie learned from her conditions and prayed for wisdom and compassion.
Bonnie’s focus in the last decade of her life was to be a wellspring to her grandchildren and children and to be of service to the people in her church.
Bonnie was concerned and passionate about helping people with Chronic and Fatal Illnesses take practical, fundamental steps. She helped people do ontological reconstructions of Life to discover meaning in their lives.
She liked to sit with people in rockers overlooking the ocean, sharing tea and talking about God. Bonnie called this kind of spiritual direction, spiritual companionship. Bonnie would be touched if you considered God your special Friend and communion with your Friend as "just what there is to do now".
Bonnie's memorial celebration of Life will be on Friday 10 June at St. Philips Episcopal Church in Southport NC at 2 PM. A memorial service will be held in Palo Alto later in June, details to be announced.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Heifer Project and give families sources of their own food and clothing or to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and give people like Bonnie another chance at Life.
Daniel is doing remarkably well. I find I am relieved that Bonnie is not suffering any pain now. And I already miss her laughter.
Thank you for your friendship over the years.
/Daniel for BanD
Dear Daniel: Leslie just phoned us. I find it hard to believe; Bonnie's spirit lives on in the remaining banzai azalea, which is now blooming much longer than we ever thought it would, just as Bonnie did. So her life must move inside, to be carried with us all. We are grateful for what she brought to our lives, and that she is not suffering now. We will see you soon. Love, Ellen Jo
Posted by: Ellen Jo Baron | June 02, 2011 at 10:55 PM
Dear Daniel,
She had a calling, and I've never seen anyone build hope on such slender threads as our Bonnie. She taught us so much, didn't she?
Our hearts go out to you, Daniel.
With love from
Meg & Kris
Posted by: Meg WIthgott | June 02, 2011 at 10:57 PM
Daniel,
We are so sorry. Bonnie was a remarkable person. She will live on in the hearts and minds of many. I can't imagine what you are going through. We love you and wish you our best.
Love always,
Jan & Dan
Posted by: Jan & Dan Miller | June 02, 2011 at 11:08 PM
Daniel, I was so saddened to hear this news. Although it's been many years since I've been in touch with you and Bonnie, I followed your blog and read about all her recent health issues, and your incredible love and devotion to her made a deep impression on me. She was very lucky to have lived and died with such an incredible partner by her side.
I have very fond memories of her warmth, her smile and her laugh. Her thoughtfulness and vibrancy were apparent not only whenever I spoke with her, but I could see it whenever anyone else spoke about her. She made the world a brighter place.
Posted by: Elizabeth Baum | June 02, 2011 at 11:13 PM
Daniel, Stephen and I were saddened to hear the news, and will hold both you and her in our hearts. Her magnificent intelligence sparkled with her magnificent love. Sometimes when I've pondered, I've asked "what would Bonnie say about this?" and inevitably I've had access to deep wisdom. Bless you.
Posted by: Regina C. and Stephen W. | June 03, 2011 at 05:36 AM
Bonnie danced in the light, danced with joy, danced with love. Bonnie's music will continue, her light shines and now she joins the Saints in Light where she sees face to face the Holy One with whom she has danced all of her days. We are blessed to have waltzed with her.
Posted by: Susan Langle | June 03, 2011 at 05:45 AM
Dearest Daniel, Sending love and light to you both. I'm sad to hear this news and will be spending time riverside today remembering my friend and mentor, Bonnie! Sending heart energy your way, my brother.
Posted by: Lyn | June 03, 2011 at 06:07 AM
We are privileged to have had the blessing of walking a part of the journey with Bonnie – first, as strangers – then, as family (which we were, remarkably enough, before we ever met the two of you beautiful people) – and ultimately as friends. We will never again be the same – because Bonnie Johnson came our way. Daniel, we are most grateful to GOD for sending the two of you into our lives . . . and we are most grateful to YOU for coming. We love you both. May God welcome that lovely woman into the fullness of Eternity with His most beautiful hospitality and may His Holy Spirit be your strength at this time, Dear Heart.
Posted by: Vandy Nies | June 03, 2011 at 06:23 AM
Dearest Daniel,
We hope and pray that peace will be yours after the fire storm of the last few years knowing that Bonnie received the greatest joys, blessings and gifts from you. You had an extraordinary relationship. She is now pain free and smiling down on all of us and for that blessing, we are truly grateful. More love, Allyn + Peter
Posted by: Allyn and Peter | June 03, 2011 at 06:28 AM
Dear Sweet Daniel,
I had to stop and take a deep breath and let the tears clear my eyes before I could begin the process of reflecting on the loss you and the entire family must be feeling. You were such a support to Bonnie and I know that she admired and loved you so much. I have often thought of how you took care of Aunt Osie in her final days and I know that you stood by Bonnie with that same caring and compassion. Bonnie always faced her struggles with a courage that seemed super-human. She continues now to wrap others in her rays of peace. I will miss that joy that she gave us in the
midst of and in spite of her never-ending trials. She is a great teacher even now. Please let me know if I can help you from Baytown. You are always welcome here. Our love to you all. Linda and Chuck
Posted by: Linda Dellaria | June 03, 2011 at 06:35 AM
Dear Daniel, Jim, Sam and I hold you in our thoughts and prayers. We are thankful for the days on St. John's Road and sharing a house with the two of you. You and Bonnie shared yourselves with the entire community modeling how the Spirit moves through both suffering and joy. May you know the love God has for you in the love shared by family and friends.
Peace, Christi, Jim and Sam Humphrey
Posted by: Christi Humphrey | June 03, 2011 at 07:20 AM
Daniel,
It feels weird to write just "Daniel" since "Daniel and Bonnie" has been--and will always be--a phrase to me of comfort, laughter, love, and engagement with ideas and the world as I interacted with the two of you for so many years. I've started dozens of sentences here and erased them because all these words feel so inadequate...and these electronic forms of connection, however advanced, just don't let me express to you right now what needs to be expressed. But I'll try anyway. Without a doubt, Bonnie has been a pillar in my life...not just for my career, which I owe so much to her for, but my life. Her existence taught me what people mean by the words "role model." In a strange way, the emptiness I feel at this sad news also fills me up with wonderful memories of her that just flood forward. I know without any doubt that she lives in me--there are many days at work where I feel her teaching and words and even some of her mannerisms--coming out of me. I have to admit to some guilt at letting the busyness of the world keep me from calling and engaging with the two of you enough--I robbed myself of time I could have spent with her--but I can also just hear what she would be saying to me to comfort even that. So I will simply accept her comfort, embrace the legacy she has left me with, and be here for you in any way I can, as you need. Much love to you and the family, and I will be in touch...hopefully for real, not just in 1s and 0s.
Posted by: Eric Dishman | June 03, 2011 at 07:35 AM
Daniel, Bill and I are sorry that we will not enjoy Bonnie's cheerfulness and determination again but the memory will last. Your joy in being with her has also been inspiring.
Posted by: Nancy & Bill Cohen | June 03, 2011 at 07:41 AM
Daniel, I hope you find peace in this difficult time. Bonnie's incredibly bright and strong spirit will remain always. There is so much to celebrate in the life the two of you shared together...I remain in awe of what the two of you have shown us all.
Posted by: Steve Huntley | June 03, 2011 at 07:44 AM
Daniel, our lives have been blessed by knowing Bonnie. We will be forever grateful.
Posted by: Dick and Jayne | June 03, 2011 at 07:47 AM
Daniel, I am absolutely speachless and so very sad for us left behind. She has touched so many hearts.
I am thankful that she is no longer in pain and hope that you are blanketed with love and care that you need at this most difficult time. I loved her dearly.
Jayne
Posted by: jayne | June 03, 2011 at 07:48 AM
I am sadden and sorry to hear the news about Bonnie, She is no longer suffering, may her soul rest in peace. You and your family are in my prayers.
Love you
Posted by: Nasiba | June 03, 2011 at 08:09 AM
Dear Daniel: Tim and I are right now with you at this very moment in time when God has said this is now the time. Time to free Bonnie's physicalness from any and all pain, deterioration and collapse. Her soul will always live on - her incredible courage, brilliance, love, perseverence and laughter. Your partnership will always inspire us, teach us and be with us. You are a remarkable man and we are awaiting your arrival for a loving respite where we are anytime. Love LOVE and MORE LOVE - Judy and Tim Maloney.
Posted by: Judy and Tim Maloney | June 03, 2011 at 09:02 AM
Dear Daniel: As I posted the last note to you, from me and Tim - I sat a few moments in our cottage with all the spirits of the Maloneys - WOW - they are talking and singing - and then being with you - my tears begin to flow - tears of sorrow, tears of joy for Bonnie's being free - and tears of real appreciation for a life well lived. May we all learn, as you both have, to appreciate, be grateful for and love who we are and what we enjoy in the small things in everyday life. Love Judy
Posted by: Judy and Tim Maloney | June 03, 2011 at 09:07 AM
To you our friend - to whomever the I is speaking - the angels bless you.
PAST THE SUNSET
I did not have to walk alone
Though shadow all around
Towards the distant sunset
Weary, tired and worn
For Angels walked beside me
Toward forever peace
My life here may have passed away
Eternity will never cease
The road that I have traveled
As you remember, day to day
Is a road we all must journey
Friends to meet along the way
God never makes mistakes
Though your heart is broken in two
I will always be alive
Within the heart of you
You must know there's no more hurting
No more tears will fill your day
In heaven there's no sadness
God wipes it all away
I did not have to walk alone
Though shadow all around
God's angels came and held me close
To lift me from the ground
Death can claim no victory
My spirit will never die
God be with you, until we meet again
Past the sunset in the sky
written Colleen Carol Smith, Canada
Posted by: Judy and Tim Maloney | June 03, 2011 at 09:23 AM