Dear Mark, Tim, Peter and the extended Rebstock family, I am deeply saddened by the passing of a strong and unique woman colleague on the “Long March of Love”. Joe and I cherished our friendship with both your parents over the years, both those in the Order, and after its dissolution in 1988 when many of us still chose to wear the ring and live out of the discipline. Your Mom and Dad visited us about 10 years ago when we lived on our farm in West Newfield, Maine. Your parents were on a New England trek that your Mom had designed, visiting historic places they had on their “bucket list.” From Maine they planned to head south to make sure your Mom could visit Plymouth Plantation and see that famed “Plymouth Rock”. The morning they planned to leave our home for that leg of the trip, your Mom, wheelchair dependent at the time, seriously compromised with a chronic vestibular system complication, but one that was being managed with meds, collapsed just before breakfast. We called 911, the rural volunteer EMT came to the rescue and whisked her to the hospital 35 minutes away. Your Dad, Joe and I followed in two cars. By the time we were allowed to see her, she was sitting up on her bed like a queen, assuring us "all would be well." We learned from the attending doctor that Ellen, as a former physical therapist and trained healthcare provider, was rigorous in recording every single health event of her adult life (and probably those of all members of the family) in such detail (event/symptoms/diagnosis/treatment/ medical followup) that the hospital team knew immediately what to do. And Ellen carried that diary with her at all times when she travelled, knowing it might mean life or death. Ellen was discharged later that day, and after another overnight with us, we waved your parents off to Plymouth Plantation. Your mom was one of the most intentional disciplined and committed women I’ve ever known, and this vignette holds that for me. I believe these were qualities of character she gave to to every missional, professional and personal encounter. I know if Joe were here with me tonight, I know he would join me in affirming that Ellen Rebstock’s presence on planet earth was indeed, a gift, a life of service, well lived. With love, Marilyn