On Sunday, October 10, 2010, the DGMS community lost one of its brightest stars, most loving hearts, most engaged-in-living members - Toni Wilkerson.
Toni's life was a testament to optimism in the face of adversity, constant hope even when the struggle seemed hopeless, and the basic human recognition that by giving selflessly to others, your own soul is enriched in return.
In the emotional aftermath of her tragic passing, Toni has helped to further disprove the notion that the internet is nothing but strangers, dangers, predators, and potholes. But we at Don't Get Me Started have always known this. For it is here, in this little corner of cyberspace, where real people share real emotions, and come together to effect real change in the lives of others.
Our blog has had a link for helping others called Yes, Virginia. First inspired by a desire to keep Christmas alive for children in financially imperiled families, the scope of its purpose quickly widened far beyond holiday giving. Soon it was helping a young girl go to college, saving beloved pets after attacks, buying mattresses so a mother and son may know peaceful sleep at night, even securing a deposit for a family so they could move into their new residence.
It's scope widened once more on October 10th when we began coming together to help Toni's children with the expenses involved in releasing her beautiful spirit into the universe.
In honor of Toni WIlkerson, in memory of every laugh she gave, every virual hug she shared, every word of wisdom she offered through her years of unconditional love and friendship to the DGMS blogmunity, today we officially change the name of our fund to Namaste.
As a Buddhist, the word often popped up in her comments. One word which meant many: "I honor the place in you in which the entire Universe dwells, I honor the place in you which is of Love, of Integrity, of Wisdom and of Peace. When you are in that place in you, and I am in that place in me, we are One."
Love, Integrity, Wisdom & Peace. I can think of no better words to honor her spirit, and no better way to keep her spirit alive than by allowing her life to inspire us all.
Please give to the Namaste Fund. Simply CLICK HERE to be taken to Paypal where you may donate via the email address: lsharp03@aol.com.
In honor of Toni who always understood that in reaching out we are also reaching in.
Namaste, Toni.
I cannot think of any greater testament to Toni's life than this. Hers was a heart that was always open, always giving, always caring. And even with her gone from this earthly plane, her reach remains both gentle and powerful...and always loving.
Posted by: Debbie0116 | Monday, October 11, 2010 at 08:01 AM
I think Toni would be very happy to know that her name will be attached to something that does good things and brings joy, just as she did.
Posted by: Chrissy | Monday, October 11, 2010 at 08:16 AM
I think thats a wonderful tribute! I know she is beaming with pride knowing she touched so many hearts - more than she probably ever realized!
NAMASTE!!!
Posted by: Jamie in WI | Monday, October 11, 2010 at 08:30 AM
that is a great tribute to her i was a friend and she will be missed
NAMASTE
Posted by: Mark Potts | Monday, October 11, 2010 at 09:05 AM
i have found myself truly at a loss for words in all of this (which is why i keep making hearts at you guys on facebook), but i wanted to say that this is so powerful and wonderful. it feels so perfect. thanks, linda. <3
Posted by: Ashe | Monday, October 11, 2010 at 10:15 AM
This is a beautiful tribute to Toni's faith. Thank You.
Posted by: Brigid McMahon | Monday, October 11, 2010 at 10:16 AM
I can't think of a better way to honor Toni and the way she lived her life. Thanks, Linda!
Posted by: Another Lori in TX | Monday, October 11, 2010 at 10:38 AM
most.awesome.
Posted by: audreyf | Monday, October 11, 2010 at 11:35 AM
Yes, this is truly amazing!
Posted by: Lindsay in VA | Monday, October 11, 2010 at 12:03 PM
Beautiful words from a person with a beautiful soul about another with a beautiful soul!
What a great way to honour Toni!
Posted by: PennyB | Monday, October 11, 2010 at 06:20 PM
I just wanted to say...those of you who have Tracy on facebook will have seen her pictures of Logan, her new granddaughter who has been adopted by the couple down the street. In that album, as I was clicking through today, I came across a shot where Toni had commented on wanting to kiss the baby's little cheeks. I hadn't seen that Toni commented there before, and it was very sweet. She posted it on last Wednesday, maybe just an hour or two before she went out (judging by her other posts that day).
Posted by: Carrie (Quik) | Saturday, October 16, 2010 at 05:26 PM
Yep, I saw that last week, Carrie... and noticed when she'd posted it. Made me smile.
Posted by: Lori in Texas | Saturday, October 16, 2010 at 07:29 PM