The first time I met Cherie was shortly after she moved to Melrose. We met at a sweat lodge, and we hit it off right away. We both liked to work the big fire where the stones are heated, and we enjoyed exchanging bawdy jokes.

At that time, she was just starting acupuncture school. She had actually saved up enough money to live on and not have to work while she was in school, but a guy she met convinced her for some reason to “lend” him all her money. It turned out he gambled it away and there was no hope of repayment. As she brainstormed about what to do she started thinking that there wasn’t any place in Melrose to get a good cup of coffee, so she borrowed $1000, rented a little place, painted it bright colors, built the counters herself, bought some coffee thermos, and a brew machine, and the coffee shop was born.

Maybe not very many people knew how that happened (and it may not be my place to tell it) but I think it’s so very cool actually!! It clearly demonstrates Cherie’s ability to turn life’s lemons into lemonade. And now… all of us have benefited more than we can even know from that happening, and the coffee shop coming into being. (I think it is obvious the conclusion that incidents that seem to be a major bummer can turn out to be the best thing that ever happened.)

I hadn’t really seen her much outside of the sweat lodges, but I happened to stop in to the coffee shop the first week she was open. I went every day for a year after that. Just like everyone else, I grew to look forward to and adore Cherie’s warm love and enthusiastic reception when I came in. After a while though, I pretty much stopped going in the mornings because there were always so many interesting conversations that I could never leave on time so I was always late to work. Sometimes I would stop in just to see Cherie. We used to joke with each other how she’d get people hooked on coffee and then give them acupuncture to treat them for it. (Some acupuncturists tell patients to avoid coffee)

When she started treating patients under the supervision of her preceptor, I was happy to have her treat me. After the first time she treated me I told her I felt like she had been doing acupuncture for a thousand years, and she said she felt that way too. She had an air of confidence and authority that inspired trust. Sometimes when she treated me, I could almost see an ancient Chinese gentleman at her shoulder as her guide, or guardian spirit.

The first time I met Cathleen was at a meditation class that Harimundir was teaching one evening a week at the coffee shop. She looked like a shy middle class housewife. I clearly remember that the first night of class, as we all took our seats Cherie flashed a brilliant smile to Cathleen.

I didn’t think anything of it at the time, but a few weeks later for some reason I was driving home very, very early in the morning. I lived right around the corner from where Cherie was living at that time, and as I went by her driveway, I saw her car and another car behind her leaving her house to go to the coffee shop. The next time I saw her I teased her about overnight guests ‘wink, wink’ and she looked aghast. She said, “OH no, don’t tell anyone, we don’t want anyone to know about this.” I told her “it’s ok, I didn’t recognize the car anyway”, so of course, she told me it was Cathleen!!

Not very long after every time I saw her she had to tell me with intent delight, ” I’m in love.” She said she’d never had a relationship like this before, usually she was the one being chased, but now she couldn’t bear to be away from Cathleen and it was so different for her.

Cathleen had quit her job in Jacksonville and was looking for work closer to home. We needed someone in the office where I was working so she started working with me at Hatchett Creek Farms. We were really delighted to get to know each other. Cathleen told me she had dreamt of Cherie more than once before she even moved to Melrose.

One thing that used to annoy me was that Cherie called her about every 2 hours. When I called Cathleen to the phone I would roll my eyes and say “Cherie again”. I even asked Cathleen to tell Cherie not to call more than once a day, but really she loved it that Cherie called, and couldn’t tell her no. Now, in retrospect it makes so much sense in light of the fact that they had only a couple of years on earth together. Now I’m glad that they had the intensity to need to spend every possible moment together.

My husband and I went to Cathleen’s birthday party last year at Blue Water Bay, I was so happy for her that so soon after she moved here she was surrounded by enough friends to fill 3 tables end to end for her birthday dinner, My husband Tom was the only man there, and he was great about it, He loves Cherie and Cathleen too!

Dear Brandi ~

I just want to say a couple things here about what you wrote awhile back [on page two]:

"I've remembered some of the craziest things in this past week, from the names, colors, and personalities of the 6 cats she had in her one bedroom apartment to how good her hair always smelled. (That may sound a little strange) I guess memories are the things that keep us all going and keep the spirits of Cathy and Cherie alive."

I presently own 13 cats, but in the past have also lived with 6 cats in a one-bedroom apartment; in fact, in an apartment that was barely bigger than one room. I remember at the Wise Womyn's Festival, Cathleen and I shared our love of cats. Whenever I was in Cathleen's presence, I was in my comfort zone. We both attended a "Meeting Your Animal Spirit Guide" session outside on the grass beneath a large tree. She sat next to me, her face beaming with her radiant smile and sparkling eyes, and that glow of acceptance, when she sat down. I knew very, VERY few people there ~ and was so glad when she sat next to me. I wish I could explain the connection we felt, in general. It seemed one of 'presence' rather than 'words.' Cathy was guileless, and it seemed we both knew, instinctively, that we could trust each other. In groups, I tend to be quiet, and prefer one-on-one conversations and interaction. She seemed to be the same and to share this preference. Sitting next to each other just seemed natural for us. Even though, there's no doubt that Cherie and Lori were truly her best friends, the feeling reminded me of sitting with my best friend from high school. That basis of quiet, unspoken understanding that was just 'there' and required no words; and that feeling of being safe and secure, because your best friend is with you. [I just noticed that it's 11:11 as I finished trying to explain this. I'm certain Cathleen is on the other side of that spiritual door.] This was the nature of our connection. Somehow, a more serious kind of understanding that required no explanation, or particular kind of conversation.

Your memory of how good her hair always smelled doesn't sound strange at all. Our sense of smell is the most primal of our five senses. It's the deepest and most long-lasting of our memory senses. I may be saying things you already well know, so please don't think I'm trying to 'educate' you. I'm not. I just want to say more about 'smell,' since you mentioned it. Years from now, you will probably again smell 'Cathy's hair' again, through someone else's hair products, and be transported instantly back to Cathy herself. I remember how soft her hair was, and how curly-cushy Cherie's hair was. I remember how each of their hugs were so uniquely different, yet so 100% present, in the moment, and genuine. I remember Cathleen's delicate bone structure in her face, beneath her light, thinner, pearl-like skin. I remember the freshness of the smell of both her and Cherie's hair, yet I have no specific memory of any, particular scents.

However, I want to share with you that at the Memorial on Sunday, when I used the restroom in their home, I saw their hairbrushes on the shelves next to the sink. In that moment, I was confronted with the reality that, through these brushes, a part of each of them actually still remained. I felt tempted to do one of two, or both, things ~ to smell the brushes, so I would have a scent memory; or to take from each brush some strands of hair, for keeping. However, I did neither of these things. A person's home is sacred space. It doesn't matter under what circumstances. These aren't things I would have done if and while they were alive. To do them now seemed an even greater violation of them, in what should remain the sanctity of their home. This regard remained a priority over what seemed, in my grief, my need for this particular, sense memory. Yet, as I looked at those brushes, I was truly tempted.

Had my friendship with either of them ever been intimate, I can't honestly say how I would have felt. I may have felt somehow 'entitled' or 'justified' in doing such a thing, but I would hope my thoughts and conclusions would have been the same. I don't know. As it was, I just felt that this would have been a violation, and accepted my consideration of it as an outgrowth of my grief. Instead, I glanced at the couple books that sat stacked on the floor next to the tub, and wondered where they may have left off; visually took in, but didn't touch, their jewelry looped over the towel bar; and scanned their toiletries and other items on the shelves, before I walked out.

I'll always remember that encounter with myself and my memories; and my decision to maintain my boundaries, and respect their beings, the sacredness of their space, and everything in it. I'm sharing this [what, indeed, may sound strange] experience, just as a way of letting you know that your memories of how good your sister Cathy's hair always smelled is a precious memory that I hope you'll hold on to for the rest of your life.

Love,
Elizabeth

I miss you Cherie, Please watch over mom.

Dear Danielle ~

I am concerned and apologize if it seemed in my response to your message that I was discounting or trying to invalidate your feelings about whether you could bear to own and drive Cathleen's little truck. Sometimes, decisions made in the midst of grief aren't the best ones, but other times they turn out to be the correct ones for the person making them. Your concerns are valid. There are so many years between you and I that what could possibly be right for me may not be at all right for you. If it seemed I was trying to pressure you in any direction, please accept my apology. A decision, of the type you were talking about, is a highly personal one, and one for you alone to make. Please accept my heartfelt wishes to you as you try to reconcile your memories with your own future, and make the decision that is best for you.

Love,
Elizabeth

Dear Carol ~

I'm so grateful for your caring and love for Lori. Her pain with the loss of Cathleen and Cherie couldn't have been more visible. It was in her eyes and in her voice. She hungered for any, even tiniest, detail of her beloved friend's life down here. She was fully embraced and received tremendous support and love from Cathleen's and Cherie's friends and loved ones here; yet, the trip back home still needed to be made. It's then that the grief sets in again, as if new, and all these people here are no longer around to bring Cathy alive for her.....and she must begin to deal all over again. It's one of the many reasons that I was so glad that Dawn came with her. She brings continuity for Lori; she's someone with whom Lori can talk, who met the same people, experienced the same things, and can remember and remind Lori of loving things that were said about Cathy. In Lori's shock and grief, things can be forgotten. It's one of the many reasons that I'm so glad for your own, intense interest and direct involvement in this. Your initiative to print and gather things written here, that you find relevant for Lori, is the kind of support she most needs right now. You're the kind of loving mother that made Lori the lifelong, loving, and loyal friend that Cathy so needed and found in her.

Love,
Elizabeth

Carol you keep coming back to us as well you share so much .. and we love to hear all you have to say dont stop we love you dh

Merry meet, all.
Well, the site finally loaded for me and though I didn't know Cherie and Cathleen for NEARLY as long as most of you, I thought I'd post a few of my thoughts and feelings.

I first met these two wonderful people this past summer as a result of too much free time and a need for exercise. I began to ride my bicycle up to Melrose in the early morning, and eventually the coffee shop became my little half way point. So it became that I would trek the two and a half miles up to the coffee shop every morning at 7 am, have a cup of coffee and socialize until I decided to ride back home and crawl in bed for a few more hours. At first it was just a turn around point, but as the visits became longer and more regular, I got to know the two better and had a different reason to come there every morning. Occasionally I would do what I could to help out when asked, and even offered Cherie some of my horse manure for her palms she was planting. Gift from the heart, eh? These two women were beautiful, loving souls who touched so many people in countless ways. They accepted who you were without question and created a home away from home for a number of locals. It is a shame they were unable to be legally wed here in this life, but undoubtedly they are in a better place right now, together in spirit and soul, riding away into an everlasting sunset on a steed of chrome and steel.

Eternal love to both of them and all of you...
Blessed be.

~CJ~

Dear Brandi and Elizabeth,
I agree with you both...there can never be enough LOVE expressed here for Cathy and Cherie..I love reading all these postings...I am drawn to this website daily and I glean comfort and peace from reading the beautiful words written here. I love the poems and the lyrics and the grief shared..and the loving thoughts expressed...all are a balm to the soul. We need this for healing right now..and I hope this remains here forever. Brandi, we loved your sister, Cathy, as tho she were also our sister and we thank you for sharing Cathy with each of us. I remember the first time I met Cathy...it was at Lori's home. Cathy was a neighbor and Lori used to work with Cathy at an insurance company here in St Louis.. We all used to get together and take Kate, Lori and Cathy's elderly neighbor out to dinner..we had such good times together sharing laughter and good conversation..and talks about the cats we owned and loved so dearly.
Elizaqbeth I have been printing some of the most beautiful thoughts, poems, lyrics, and prayers expressed here....I have placed them in a folder and will probably give them to my daughter Lori...she has been so devastated and pained by the loss we have all shared. We all need to continue to share our thoughts here...I believe it is healing...at least it is for me...I come here each day..several times to read and remember.
I love you Brandi..you do remind me of Cathy..you do look a lot like your sister and you are in my prayers.. I hope you are comforted by these words too.
I love all the new friends I have met here on this beautiful website...Cherie and Cathy have done it again...they have brought us all together...they continue to spread their goodness....

JUST WANTED TO DROP IN AND SAY HELLO TO ALL .I HOPE EVERYONE IS HANGING IN THERE GODBLESS OUR TWO GALS . THEY ARE OUR ANGELS OF LOVE ,HAS ANYONE SEEN THAT ONE BRIGHT STAR LATE AT NITE EVERYONE SHOULD CHECK THIS OUT ITS IN THE WEST . I BELIEVE THEIR SHINNING DOWN ON US. I DONT REMEMBER THAT STAR LOVE TO ALL

Someone asked me today if C and C had any problems in their relationship and I answered "of course". And they loved one another and were into working things out. As we memorialize our beloved friends please let us not idealize and separate them from ourselves and who we all (human beings) are.

The first time I spoke to Cherie, I was living in Missouri and I got a phone call. I had no idea who it was. She introduced herself as Cherie, Cathleen's one and only. She told me about the coffee shop, how long her and Cathy had been together, and a little about herself. She also told me that her and Cathy were going to get married. Then Cathy came by and asked Cherie 'Who are you talking to?' Cherie replied, 'Oh, I just called your sister Brandi.'

So, a little off the topic... but I approve and that is how I became aware of Cherie. :)

p.s. what does Ika mean?? or who is that??

-Erika

So lately, been wondering
Who will be there to take my place
When I'm gone you'll need love
To light the shadows on your face
If a great wave shall fall and fall upon us all
Then between the sand and stone
Could you make it on your own


If I could, then I would
I'd go wherever you will go
Way up high or down low
I'll go wherever you will go


And maybe, I'll find out
A way to make it back someday
To watch you, to guide you
Through the darkest of your days
If a great wave shall fall and fall upon us all
Then I hope there's someone out there
Who can bring me back to you


Run away with my heart
Run away with my hope
Run away with my love

I know now, just quite how
My life and love might still go on
In your heart, in your mind
I'll stay with you for all of time


If I could turn back time
I'll go wherever you will go
If I could make you mine
I'll go wherever you will go
I'll go wherever you will go

^^aaawsome song
<3 you auntie xoxo

Dear Brandi and Carol ~

Without meaning to be grandiose in my thinking, it occurred to me today that, at some point, someone may wish to compile these memorial messages into a book on high-grade paper, with high-quality photos. Cherie and Cathleen were extraordinary women, who lived extraordinary lives, and had extraordinary impact on many people. If anyone deserves memorialization beyond the Internet, it is Cathleen and Cherie. Those of us who knew them [and even those who have only read] know this to be the truth. I feel it's a thought worthy of consideration.

I'll be quiet for awhile. Today, it has been particularly difficult to concentrate on anything or stay on task.

Love,
Elizabeth

Oh dear ~ When I commented earlier that, "I'll wait awhile for others to leave their words here, . . . " I didn't mean words regarding the frequency of my writing. I meant others' own words regarding Cathleen and Cherie. I just realized it may have appeared I was asking for a vote, when what I meant was giving others a chance to write their own messages of love.

~ Elizabeth

Dear Brandi ~

Thank you. I read your two, brief sentences a second time, through tears. What you've said about never being able to hear enough endearing words about your sister and Cherie is true, just so true. It's how I feel every time I 'refresh' the page to see anything that anyone else has written. This is allowing me to come to know these two women so much better than I ever had the opportunity to in life. Quality outweighed quantity in my connections and experiences with them. That is what gave their lives meaning for me, as well as for others in my position; and for those who never had the privilege of meeting either or both.

For those who had long-term, deep relationships or contact on a daily or near-daily basis with Cathleen and Cherie, my heart breaks. I know how their deaths have impacted me. Trying to fathom how it must be for you, and those others, takes me into realms where I become lost in light and darkness.

I hope that everyone will continue to commit their memories to these pages, so we can share in so much more of what it meant for Cathleen and Cherie to have lived.

Love,
Elizabeth

Elizabeth,

Keep writing and don't ever question your right to do so. I can never hear enough endearing words about my sister and Cherie. :)

Thank you so much, Carol, for the permission that comes with your affirming words. I'll wait awhile for others to leave their words here, as well as for any 'lessening' requests to reach me privately, before I continue expressing my own grief and feelings of loss, along with my appreciation for all that Cathleen and Cherie brought to my world.

Love,
Elizabeth

I will always remember her laugh,love, and adventureous spirit (so lets do it attitude). Cherie will always hold a place in my heart/soul. I'm very fortunate to have shared experiences with her.

Elizabeth, I love reading what you express here..you have such a way with words. You have the power to move me to tears...and I so appreciate each and every posting in Cathy's and Cherie's memory...love how you say what you say...
keep it up...it is so comforting and so needed!

Please forgive me, anyone whom I may offend, with the frequency of my messages. I'll explain another time my need and why they are so. If you or the Editor feels this to be the case, however, please email me privately. I try to restrict myself, according to good taste, but know I may still, inadvertently, go beyond the bounds of it.

Normally, I check the Leonard Cohen site first and last thing of the day, as well as throughout it. It's the one place on the Internet where I have found a heart connection. Since I discovered this site, I now check it first and last, and throughout, both ahead and behind the Leonard Cohen site. The heart connection I feel here is different and immensely important for me for now, and for some time to come.

I want to share a song written and sung by Leonard, my favourite singer/songwriter. It's titled "Suzanne," and it reminds me of Cherie; what she was for all of us; what she was for Cathleen; what Cathleen was for her; and what Cathleen was for some of us, and was in the process of becoming for all of us. I hope you find it as meaningful as I do.

"Suzanne takes you down to her place near the river
You can hear the boats go by
You can spend the night beside her
And you know that she's half crazy
But that's why you want to be there
And she feeds you tea and oranges
That come all the way from China
And just when you mean to tell her
That you have no love to give her
Then she gets you on her wavelength
And she lets the river answer
That you've always been her lover
And you want to travel with her
And you want to travel blind
And you know that she will trust you
For you've touched her perfect body with your mind.
And Jesus was a sailor
When he walked upon the water
And he spent a long time watching
From his lonely wooden tower
And when he knew for certain
Only drowning men could see him
He said "All men will be sailors then
Until the sea shall free them"
But he himself was broken
Long before the sky would open
Forsaken, almost human
He sank beneath your wisdom like a stone
And you want to travel with him
And you want to travel blind
And you think maybe you'll trust him
For he's touched your perfect body with his mind.

Now Suzanne takes your hand
And she leads you to the river
She is wearing rags and feathers
From Salvation Army counters
And the sun pours down like honey
On our lady of the harbour
And she shows you where to look
Among the garbage and the flowers
There are heroes in the seaweed
There are children in the morning
They are leaning out for love
And they will lean that way forever
While Suzanne holds the mirror
And you want to travel with her
And you want to travel blind
And you know that you can trust her
For she's touched your perfect body with her mind."

Love,
Elizabeth

Thank you for that crucial clarification, correcting any erroneous impressions that may be gotten by anyone who visits here, or elsewhere.

It should be noted that it was not either or these two women who were drunk...it was another driver who had been convicted of 3 other DUI's and was driving on a suspended license at the time of the accident..the KeyNews did not make this distinction..

The wise grieve neither for the living nor for the dead. There has never been a time when you and I and the kings gathered here have not existed, nor will there be a time when we will cease to exist. As the same person inhabits the body through childhood, youth, and old age, so too at the time of death she attains another body. The wise are not deluded by these changes.-Bhagavad Gita 2:12-13

I'm always consoled by the ancient wisdom. I know I'll see Our Ladies of Latte again - either on this side or the other.

I didn't know Cherie was californian ... I didn't know she was Buddhist too.
That's why I had trouble in uderstanding her when she talked (I'm italian) damn californian have their own language isn't it ?
I remember when I was in Melrose and Tara took me to a sort of Yoga place, there was a show of mandala paintings, I couldn't understand everything people said and I finished getting lost into one of those paintings, dolphins swimming all aroung in a circle, it was such a relaxing sensation.
That was the day when I first met Cathy ...
I didn't know she was Cherie's girlfriend, think I imagined she was the wife of the yoga instructor ... anyway I noticed she looked at me curiously as I was stocked into that painting.
I thought she was thinking I was mad, instead she was just smiling at me and thinking I was sort of funny.
After that day I met Cherie and Cathy almost everyday as being a guest at my friend Flash's she always stopped there to have coffee .. every morning.
This is my second post here and I'm still sad for this terrible loss.
I couldn't be in Melrose for the memorial, I live too far away so sorry, but I did my own memorial, I had a piece of paper written by Cherie where she put her adress (it was the Takemeplaces adress) ...
Of course I put that piece of paper who knows where together with tons of others and I forgot it ... but I looked for it the 9th and I found it ... a lil piece of Cherie was in my house.
I did a lil altar ... some stones from a native american sacred place in AZ and some from the Mojave desert CA (Cherie's land).
And a candle which is still burning.
Flash and all the others ... I'm sure C&;C souls will be with you forever so I'm no more sad as I believe in some ways the Goddess has made a gift to that community bringing those two womyn there and now she has taken them back to put them somewhere else ... who knows ... maybe they came back for a day as butterflys and somebody recognized them at the memorial ... there's a pic here.
Systerz thanx for this site it is important as through it many people get to know what true love and understanding is and my Goddess how much we need this in these times.

Keep it up Ok!

Make it rise up!

Flash my friend ... from the Rice Creek which has seen the last breath of Cherie ....
Her soul is rise - rise - rising .... now
Blessed Be!

Love

Dear Teri ~

Thank you for the way you phrased these profound feelings. Your words find me where my feelings are:

"Our hearts are broken...our sadness unexplainable. Our anger at the situation, please accept silence."

Thank you for your encouraging words:

"Angels now have wings, we all have Angels that we know...what comfort!"

Thank you for these words, where I will be grateful when my feelings finally come to rest in this knowing. I know the truth of this. My heart just hasn't been able to wrap itself around it yet. In time, it will.

I'm glad that you are there for Don.

Love,
Elizabeth

Dear Patricia ~

I know how aware you are of the treasure you have in your hands. It is the embodiment of Cherie. I hope that through your tears, you find great comfort in it. Right to the very last line; it is affirming of her righteous beliefs, how she put them into practice, and the fact that she was with you then, along with the reality that she is with you now. Her last line, of such simplicity and truth has become, in retrospect, prophetic. If she sent it to others, then more received such a beautiful blessing. I feel blessed reading it. It shows the depth of her understanding of, and in, the world. Thank you so much for sharing it with us.

As I read it, I realize that Take Me Places could have been so lovingly and accurately 'subtitled' The Sangha Cafe. I'm crying even as I write that much. Thank you for bringing that to us. It's a treasure unending that honours her memory.

Love,
Elizabeth

SHE IS IN A BETTER PLACE WITH GOD...

I have this last email from Cherie I would like to share with everyone. She probably sent this to me so I would share it all of you eventually, or sent it to five hundred people...who knows. But I know today I need to share it with all of you. Everytime I read it, I am afraid I cry.

"In almost every endeavor we face, when we have help from our friends, the work is lighter and the experience is richer and more meaningful. Sangha, the community of friends on the spiritual path, is one of Buddha's best gifts. Sangha is a community of friends that have similar interests, friends that really help themselves and help each other. Why do we need help? Because the spiritual path is a very difficult path. It is difficult because it goes against our addictions, and going against our addictions is a tremendous challenge for most of us. We are so used to them-our anger, hatred, obsession. They are habits that are difficult to break. If you follow the spiritual path, it will lead you away from these addictions, so we need tremendous support. The support is the Sangha-people who share the same interest in freeing themselves from addiction and who are acting together and supporting each other to achieve this freedom...." I am thankful that you are creating Sangha with me...Let us continue to help each other develop the qualities that Buddha called," Well-settled, well-seeing, straightforward (includes an aspect of wisdom) get along with all in the community, and someone we can admire".....I admire you..... and the last quality of a good Sangha friend is that "they will stick with you to the end"...I am with you...Namaste, Cherie

WEL I JUST WOULD LOVE TO SHARE THIS LITTLE LIFE STORY ABOUT MS THING CHERIE ...I WORKED AS THIS NEAR BY RESTAURANT AND WHEN THEY CAME IN AND DIDNT FIND ME ON THE FLOOR CHERIE WOULD REALLY GO AND FIND ME IF I WAS IN THE COOLER WHAT EVER I WAS THERE SHE FOUND ME TO MAKE HER BREAKFEST DALE YOU KNOW WHAT I MEAN ..DAMN I WAITED FOR MY GIRLS TO COME IN ...NO ONE COULD TAKE CARE OF THEM..I LOVED IT MISS I WANT MY HOMEFRIES DROPPED IN THE FRYER YOU KNOW DALE YOU ALL BUSTED MY CHOPS BUT THEN AGAIN I'D PULL A CHAIR UP AND DIG ON OUR UNIQUE CONVERSATATIONS I MISSSSSSSS THEMMMMM SOOO MUCH AND DALE I MIIISSSYYYOOOUU LOVE U

i just love you all

teri that was so moving again i start to cry that was beautful

We are friends of Cheries's brother,Don. We are also harley riders. Our hearts are broken...our sadness unexplainable. Our anger at the situation, please accept silence.
We knew Cherie. We love her brother and his family.
We can only take comfort in the fact that God is all knowing and has Cherie and Cathleen tucked safely in His arms. Angels now have wings, we all have Angels that we know...what comfort! Rest well Cherie and Cathleen....till we meet.

dearest melonie thank you so much for your insight hon this was a man with no heart on the road that day our loved ones are so deeply and so sadly missed but you coming onto the website means so much to us GODBLESS YOU MY FREIND and thank you for being loving towards are blissed loved ones

Right on Elizabeth. Your entries are so beautiful......I love you.

Lori

Dear Melanie ~ I'm certain some others will respond to you, but thank you so much for the depth of your caring. This site has been such a magical bringing together of people. Thank you for caring enough to look up their accident in the paper, online, when you arrived safely home. I'm amazed to read your words because no one would ever wish an accident on you. Even the sturdiest of vehicles can have fatalities. However, just to think that you would care enough to think in these terms is overwhelming. For you to have expressed yourself in this way shows the depth of your caring.

I wish you could have known them. The words you read here are not ones of glorification in death. The way we speak of them here is the way we thought of them, and spoke of them, while they were still alive.

You are so tragically and sadly right when you say this is a massive loss. Thank you for wishing you could have done something. Thank you for caring so deeply.

Love,
Elizabeth

Dear Carol ~

Just as you found comfort knowing the kind of community Cathleen had found and that she was surrounded by love, I found comfort knowing the strong support system and depth of love and caring that Cathleen had in these two, very dear friends of hers during her times up there. They made this love visible when they showed up at the Memorial. I'm sorry that you weren't there, too, but I know that life doesn't always lend itself so well to sudden plans. Perhaps, between words and photos [and how glorious it would be if someone had some kind of videotaping that might be shared with all of you], you can still get a sense of what it was like to be here. I know that they, especially Lori, NEEDED to be here ~ and thank G~d and Goddess they were. It made the world of difference for us, too.

~ Elizabeth

I did not know the couple, a freind sent this article to me. However after reading the various articles about them I am deeply saddened by the lose. It is horrible that two people so active in the GLBT community had to be taken from us because of a drunk driver. My heart is breaking for the friends and families of Cherie and Cathleen. You guys are in my thoughts tonight. I hope the angels surround you to give you strength to get through this.

I di not have the pleasure of knowing these two women. I was approximately 3 minutes behind them when they had the accident. We were on our way to Lake City on 100 when we somehow got turned around and went about 3 minutes out of our way. I didn't know what had happened until I got home to Indiana on the 3rd of Jan. and looked up the local paper online. I was horrified to learn of that 2 young women had lost their lives. I can't help but think that had we not gotten turned around we may have been the ones to hit the wrecked car instead of Cheri and Cathleen. We would have stood a much better chance of survival as we were in a large custom van.
I am so sorry that these 2 wonderful people were taken so abrubtly from so many who loved and cared for them. This is truly a massive loss. I wish I could have done something.
You are all in my prayers for comfort and strength.
Peace be with you.

I've wanted to share this quote for awhile now. The word "firestorm" and "fire" have shown up more than once regarding Cherie.

"One day, when we will have tamed the winds, the oceans, the tides, and gravity, we will have to exploit the energy of love. Then, for the second time in the history of the world, mankind will discover the fire" Teilhard de Chardin

With Cherie's and Cathleen's relationship, that fire was harnassed, and with all the power of the elements, the energy of love was their strength between them and what drew us to them.

As their fire delighted, warmed, and drew us close, Teilhard de Chardin's words seem so right.

~ Elizabeth

HI CAROL THANK YOU FROM OUR HEARTS HERE IN MELROSE. WE THOUGHT THE WORLD OF LORI AND DAWN MAKING THE TRIP DOWN HERE HOW SWEET THEY ARE YOU SHOULD FEEL PROUD OF YOUR GIRLS THEY LOVED AND SHARED SO MUCH WITH ALL OF US THEY ARE TRULY GRACIOUS WOMAN TO MAKE THAT JOUNEY FOR THERE LOVE OF CATHLEEN AND CHERIE WE WECOME THEM AND YOU TO OUR LITTLE TOWN OF LOVING MEROSE ANYTIME AND YES WE SHARE ALOT OF LOVE AND PEACE HERE AND WARMTH TO THE HEART AND SOUL THANK YOU LORI AND DAWN FOR SHARING YOU BOTH WITH US I LOVE YOU

THANKS to each of you...each unique, kind and loving resident of Melrose and the surrounding vacinity for extending such gracious and warm hospitality to Dawn and Lori. Yesterday when I picked them up at the St Louis airport they were smiling but with tears in their eyes...yet they were speaking with such passion and enthusiasm about the memorable experience they had at the "gathering".
Cannot tell you how comforting it is to know that Cathy lived in such a special community of LOVE and PEACE. She deser5ved to find the happiness she found with Cherie and with each of you! As Dawn and Lori told me about all they experienced while there with you all, they made me wish that I had made the trip with them. All that I have heard and what I have read on this marvelous website makes me wish there was a community such as yours in each and every state.
God Bless each and every one of you. You are beautiful people!
This memorial is such a lovely tribute to Cherie and Cathy....they must look down on it all with joy and love.

Wow, the more I read these entries and the more I find out about Cherie and Cathleen, the more I understand why it was so important for me to attend the memorial and why I had such an overwhelming reaction at the gathering Sunday!
I don't think there was one dry eye there while Jaye was singing "Wings" and "Hero" with her beautiful voice. The same occurred when Flash, who also has a great voice, sang and when Kate, Patricia and others read symbolic, heartfelt poetry or other wonderful sentiments they or others had written. Patricia-you definately should be a writer! I hope your confidence grows in this field and you pursue writing because you could easily make it big and never have to struggle financially again!
Flash-your words are so powerful and right on as well. I love your poetry! I admire everyone's strength when it came to sharing your personal thoughts and experiences regarding Cherie and Cathleen at the gathering! It must have been the power of Cherie and Cathleen's spiritual presence that got you all through it! I know their were other peoples' words that tugged at my and others heart strings as well, like when Lori spoke about Cathleen. But I had no idea the intensity of my feelings until I stepped foot into Cherie and Cathleen's house! I don't ever remember having such an overwhelming reaction to the vibrations/energy that people who have left this earth have left behind! I ended up literally crying my eyes out in the arms of a perfect stranger whom I was chating with while waiting to use the rest room! Coincidentally, this stranger was from the same area I am from, in upstate NY. I do not know if she was a follower of Maharaji, like myself, but her heart and words seemed to be, as they were obviously directly from her heart! It was as if our two hearts were beating as one during those moments! Better yet, and this is the main message I wish to express-it was as if these hearts of ours seemed to be transcending/connecting at the same time to Cherie and Cathleen's hearts! I could see this bright, almost blinding light come down upon us as we were embracing! It was an experience I will never, ever forget! By the way, one other time in my life I had this similar experience but it was via Maharaji, which expresses to me how very valuable these women ARE (as opposed to "were").
This may sound crazy to some but I can not ignore these feelings! It was as if Cherie herself was embracing me and saying "Ride on, you are on the right path to life's journey" I believe this stranger was sent to me by Cherie and with Cathleen's urging ( I never got to meet Cathleen) because she knew I needed to be embraced, understood and loved at this particular time and she was not around to do it herself so sent an ambassador to do the job! I had recently discovered prior to stepping into their home that Cherie was born exactly 23 days after myself the same year (my birthday being April 23rd and hers being May 16th) and she is also a Taurus, that she adored animals like I always have, enjoys riding horses like I do, an experienced motorcyclist like myself, is not a native Floridian, loves Maharaji, loves the beach, appreciates and has participated in various forms of art, and enjoys the outdoors-beaches, camping, boating and hiking. Perhaps these similarities/connections between us helped bring about this amazing experience! But who am I to question the why's and what fors? All I want to do is to continue to wrap myself around this energy, letting these free floating molecules dance in the same light which envelopes Cherie and Cathleen's remarkable legacy!
I have learned a big lesson from this wonderful experience and from these women-don't let the opportunity to spread your wings, extend your heart and embrace all the good people and things that are on this earth much more so that this way of living will extend to the beyond just as it is with Cathleen and Cherie! And I'm also going to practice, practice, practice Knowledge since that is the only way true peace and clarity can be felt while in this crazy world where the Randy Morins, hypocrites and prejudiced exist! Thank you to all of you whom I introduced myself to at the memorial (in my effort to feel closer to C & C), who are sisters and brothers of these "latte divas". It was nice meeting you-Kate, Cindy, Kirsten, Jaye's partner (I'm sorry I don't remember your name) and a couple of others whom, unfortunately, I've also forgotten their names. Plus, I got to meet their dog Windy and visit Wind's grave, the special dog of theirs who they loved so much. I would very much like to meet more of you ( like Flash, Dan, Dale, Patricia, Lou, Harimandir, Mark, Sonia and their other pals). I plan to visit Take Me Places more in the hopes that I will have the opportunity to talk with you all! [For the many of you who do not have a clue who I am when you see me there, I will be the shy, reserved, seemingly misplaced one with glasses and long, brown hair. I may be stuttering and appear at a loss for words until you talk with me for awhile and we get to know one another].
Gosh, I don't think I knew of any other two people who have such a large, wonderful circle of friends!
Last but not least, I want to very much thank T., the stranger who so warmly held me close in my time of need! Gosh, what a sweet, large heart you have!
(I am not mentioning your name in case you wish to remain unanimous). As you had said, T.,we were meant to have met! You opened my heart and my soul via Cherie and Cathleen's spiritual presence! Thank you to all who made the celebration of their lives so extraordinary special! Thanks especially to Cherie and Cathleen for touching and changing my life from this day forward! I would have never ever dreamed I could miss people I had spent so little time with or, in Cathleen's case-not at all so very much! I love you Cherie and Cathleen and all that you and your wonderful friends/family have brought to my life through you!
PS I am not accustomed to opening myself up to people like this but at the same time I want to be accessible to any of you so I will sign off with my nick name and a screen name I hardly ever use.
It would give me great joy to hear from any of you who care to touch base with me!

Cherie McArthur and Cathleen Carter were very spiritual and nice people. They always were trying to make the best of everything. I didn't no them for long but I still loved them. I remember calling them up last year on news years night with Erika and they would ask what our new year resolution would be. Neither one of us new, Erika said something about tree's and so Cherie would say " Well we will plant a tree in your grandma's yard and ill come down to help" I guess now that cant happen but me and Erika are planning to do it any way...just for her.

Yes, Cassy needs to be bathed in healing light, as well, by everyone. This meeting was surely difficult for her, as well. No one [Cassy or us] ever expected to [be able to] get this close to this tragic event in such a helping way. Thank you, Cassy, for your willingness and strength to face the unknown. You've entered a loving community that will embrace you and extend the same kind of love that Cherie and Cathleen would have. I pray that your assistance will make the difference that we so much want and need.

Love and Light,
Elizabeth

correction on eaddress cw, not gw

I met Cherie 4 years ago, I was impressed by her vibrancy and energy. It was at the Harmonic Concordance at Yalaha that Cherie introduced me to
Cathleen..Cherie was bubbling with joy as she invited me to a painting party for their new home. I am sure their 2 souls found peace in their reunion on this plane, and are reunited with others at the next.

i am sorry for our loss for such a beautiful, and kind person like Cherie McArthur & Cathleen Carter
Cherrie has tought me a lot of great things in my life and i will never forget her...

Thank you for that clarification, Flash. I got the name and the "she"s interchanged and mixed up. Now knowing, and reading it over, I see where the misunderstanding occurred. It's good to hear that your meeting went pretty well. It seems that Cassy's perspectives and information would be invaluable, and I know Jaye's assistance will. Bless you, Flash, for having that essential, but still what had to be terribly difficult emotionally, meeting. I hope the possibilities, that may come about as a result, brought you hope, for some kind of resolution, that would be healing in its way.

~ Elizabeth

" Flying Home"

It's hard to let you go
You've always let me in
And helped with all the endings
Any you know where to begin
I need you here for me
Cuz you always know my heart
I can't believe we'd change
Or have to be apart

But if you've seen the love that's in her eyes
Then everything is good
and if you know the way she felt inside
she's flying where she should
I never believed we'd ever live to see
An angel being born
And flying home

It's good to know your laugh
And you'll always hold my hand
And watch from up in heaven
And always understand

We'll take you down the road
And in everything we do
We'll know how much you love us
An soul that's kind and true
And if you've seen the love that's in her eyes
Then everything is good

I never believed we'd ever live to see
An angel begin born and flying home

This song was written and performed by Chantal Kreviazuk Album: "What If It All Means Something"

I heard this today and wanted to share the lyrics
with everyone. The Angels are Flying Home.

Elizabeth just to clear any confusion, Cassy is the name of Randys ex wife and she left him over a year ago. Jaye is my wonderful friend who co-runs Big Cats Sanctuary in Citra and is a retired cop so she is very on the legal end of things which is why I emialed her re the "records". The meeting with she , her mother and her son at the Coffeehouse went pretty well today and hopefully she has just enough inside info to make a difference and she certainly wants to..send her some light too ok Blessings Flash

As far as court dates go, I can tell you that we have spoken with MADD and they said we should expect to wait up to 2 years for all of the prosecution to be completed.

A message from the editor:

Another gentle reminder that this is not a general message board.
I will make a seperate page for the procecution issues.

Let's please keep this section just a memorial to these beautiful souls and leave the darkness of the crime & punishment outside of it.

If anyone has important information to post about the court issues please just directly email the editor.

Thank you for your understanding.

(this message will be removed at a later time as well as other justice info/inquiry messages)

Flash thank you and Jay for doing all you both have been doing and sharing all the news with the newest updates on putnum co and all keep us informed and do we know when his court date is ?? thank you again

Dedicated to Cathleen and Cherie
The Dance
Looking back on the memory of
The dance we shared neith the stars above.
For a moment, all the world was right
How were we to know that you would ever say good bye.

But now, we're glad we didn't know
How it all would end, How it all would go
Our lives are better left to chance
We could have missed the pain, but we would have had to miss the dance.

Holding you, I held everything
For a moment, wasn't I a king?
If I had known how the king would fall
Who's to say I might have changed it all.

But now, I'm glad I didn't know
How it all would end, how it all would go
Our lives are better left to chance
We could have missed the pain
But we would have had to miss the dance.

This song has gone through my mind ever since I found out of this tragedy. But since I have seen other fitting songs placed here, I decided to enter this one also. Cherie and Cathleen had such a beautiful dance through life. I mentioned once before how honored we were that they placed us on their dance card. Is there any of us who knew them, knowing what we do now, would we have refused to dance with them? Even with the still fresh pain of broken hearts, we would gladly jump at the invitation to that dance. Cherie and Cathleen, thank you for all the memories, the laughter, the hugs, the kisses and the unbridled love that you so unselfishly gave to all who came in contact with you. Bless you

Cherie & Cathleen: I will love you always. You have touched me deeply, both in life, and by your tragic, unnecessary death at a high point in both of your lives. Who knows what more you could have achieved on this earth??? Tragically, we will never know. Goodbye, friends. I will miss you always, and hope to meet you again on the other side. Shine on you crazy diamonds.

Merry Meet, Merry part, Meery Meet again.

Flash, thank you so much for your updates to us. Thank her for all of us for her generous acts and that we do not blame her for the actions of her ex. That we hold his probation officer and judge that kept letting him go responsible. Lou has also been busy locating records on Morin also, and we now know that his parole officer is out of Daytona, I believe Lou got his name today. Lou said there is a lot he can not do, but one thing he can make sure of is that this parole officer who so neglected his duty can be removed permanently. This is his goal. Lou is also looking into getting the record of the judge (or judges if there were more than one involved) to see what kind of revolving door they have in place for repeat offenders who come before him. Hopefully, if we can get rid of this parole officer and unseat this judge, it will make others that hold these positions think twice before they look the other way with repeat offenders when it could be their jobs on the line when something like this happens. It's about time they are held responsible for the consequences of their lack of action.

Cheri was my soul Taurean Brother. I remember her wild zany passions and group embrace smushes on the sofa . We would all go see Maharaji and be in Glo for days. I will miss her but will see her as a new star in the sky.

That is amazing, Flash, and so appropriate. My deeply heartfelt "Thank You" to Jaye for, as you've said, her heart being in the right place, and her being willing to act on it. Putnam County failed Cathleen and Cherie and all of us. Between Jaye, MADD, and all of us, we can 'make it right' to at least the extent that we're able, since making it TRULY right will forever remain out of our reach and grasp. Thank you, Jaye. You are continuing to move in the right direction, too, Flash, doing everything in your and the Goddess's power that is possible. Love, Elizabeth

Brandi-
I remember Cathy's blue Camaro. When she got rid of it, I begged my parents to let me have it (they wouldn't!). I thought that was the coolest car in the world. Honestly, every time I see a blue Camaro I think of Cathy.

Once again this site has done the impossible. Late last night, Randy Morin's ex wife IM'd me because she found me here writing this last bit. She is very upset and wants to help in ANYWAY POSSIBLE and emailed me ALL OF RANDY'S POLICE RECORDS. I am still blown away by her courage to reach out to someone who could hate her and of course I don't as she is an innocent here too. I was so tired but I forwarded all the records to MADD and Jaye and we spoke at great length TIL 3 AM, me trying to comfort her and assure her that she is not to blame as she had tried and tried to get him help to try to get him off the road and she wants us to prosecute Putnam county for failing all of us, for letting him go time and time again. I will meet her this AM at the Coffeeshope and we will surround her in that blanket of love for her and the baby she is carrying [not his] and her 4 yr old son that is his. C'n'C would have wanted us to help her too. Hard stuff all this. But somehow we will get through it together. Justice will be served and she will be a big help I do believe and her heart is so in the right place. Maybe this will help me heal too.

I have known Cherie, once Sherry, for about 25 years. I first met her when she was a student, and I a teacher, at Southwestern College south of San Diego, California. She sought me out, took my class, and I watched her blossom from an immature young adult, to a full-blown woman constantly growing and realizing her dreams. Her big heart and generous, bouyant spirit are a gift and example in my life. There is a hole where she was, and I am blessed to have known her and her partner, Cathleen.

Daniele keep writing little sister, your words are beautiful and healing. This site is a Goddess-send in the way it allows us to communicate and share what we can't anywhere else. We share a grief so deep and common and somehow as we share it softens and loosens its hold maybe not for long but maybe just a little at a time as it will take a really long time to adjust to not having them in our lives. For those of us who had the blessing of their presence daily the loss seems huge yet we were given so much. For those who never knew them, you will now know them through these pages. For Lori, I hope to keep hearing from you and see you under better circumstances keep telling it like it is. Brande, Cath spoke of her little sister so often and with such love. I know she just wanted to scoop you up and carry you around in her pocket if she could have . You were the part of her family that she missed so very much. keep those memories flowing with your tears til the joy gets bigger. We will all need to do that with you. For Cheries family, you know how special she was and she blossomed and grew in Melrose like a sturdy but beautiful oak and would have surely "owned the city" in time or at least gotten it for you at a good price. Dale,Terry and David, I support you 100% and will help in any way that I can you can be sure. We'll have to get some more Ho's on the street for the xmas parade next year and what town needs more Ho's on the street???well of course it is Melrose a town unique unto itself with our 2 Queens reigning from the heavens.[actually Cherie would want to be a King!!] just getting to a little humor.