I spent most of last evening and today with Mike Griffin and Dorothy's family. Individually, they are grieving their loss differently as many of you will. Mike is being strong and has been a comfort to many as they have visited his home. There are many challenges still facing this family so your thoughts and prayers are still desired, still needed.

I have written and it certainly has been covered extensively in the press that Dorothy's Journey of Hope Grief Support Center (http://www.johgriefsupport.org/ ) was a focus of her charitable efforts. What is not widely known is that Dorothy wished that her organs be donated upon her passing. This other form of CHARITY has helped six other people live better, more productive and even longer lives. Considering the concept of "six degrees of separation" it is very likely that someone, somewhere familiar to one of you has benefited from this GIFT. Would Dorothy's example be something that each one of us might want to consider emulating? As of this date there are "only" 98,161 people in the USA qualified and waiting to receive organs (see http://www.organdonor.gov/ for more information).

While the subject of numerous conversations across the country - the "why" or "what was the cause" questions regarding Dorothy's death will probably never be answered. An autopsy might have determined what caused her to stop swimming and lose consciousness but an autopsy would also have prevented Dorothy's wishes regarding her organ donation to be carried out. In the final analysis, with an autopsy those of us left behind might have had less uncertainty in our lives but the lives of six of our fellow human beings would not have been so blessed.

Those of you who have volunteered to help with food (or otherwise) please contact Shanon Farrel, a wonderful neighbor who will coordinate these offerings. Anyone interested in bringing a meal or helping out, please send an email to Shanon at "shanon@calihom.com". It might also be helpful if you could share in the email what you would like to bring. This will help Shanon coordinate meals so that they are not getting the same dish on consecutive days or too much of anyone item.

Arrangements are now being made for us to celebrate Dorothy's life. The service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, November 17th at First United Methodist Church of Plano. The address is 3160 East Spring Creek Parkway. The invitation to attend is extended to everyone, whether you were close friends of Dorothy and her family or even if she only has touched your life in some way. Immediately following the service you are invited to Restland Cemetery located at 9220 Restland Rd. in Dallas where Dorothy's body will be laid to rest.

Mike and the Family have requested that PINK (NOT BLACK) be the dominant color at the SERVICES - it is expected that many of you, particularly the men, will have to be somewhat creative in fulfilling this request. If you are unable to attend services personally please consider donating in Dorothy's honor to the JOH at the web link shown below.

Mike and the Family have also requested that in lieu of flowers that the money that would have been spent on these symbols of mourning be better expressed in the form of donations to the Journey of Hope Grief Support Center (http://www.johgriefsupport.org/). Let's help Dorothy.
All might want to sign a guest book located at http://johgriefsupport.org/Barnett-Griffin/index.php - members of the family are reading all of these comments (as will as the ones on BeginnerTriathlete.com) and are overwhelmed at the response from across the country and from across the seas.