One NIght in June

We met one June
on a noble night
We had gathered that June
to continue our fight
On that night in June
clouds of menace gathered
They drove us to shelter
They introduced us
We caught our first glimpse
That spark of life in your eyes
Your drive, your zeal,
your passion for the prize.
Over the next year
you took the reins
you were our guide
you motivated, encouraged us,
you led the way
For our next night in June
to be our finest day
Stricken by the very foe
against which we fight
you never lost hope
you kept up your fight
The cancer was strong
and it fought to consume you
But your spirit was stronger
and it could not break you
Through the agony, the frustration
you were always you
That smile, the kind words
the sparkle always shone through
Now you have lost
and we have all lost too
the world is less bright
here without you
One night this June
the night will seem colder, darker
For we won't have your smile
our beacon in the dark
Of course knowing you
has made us all better
and One Night This June
We'll celebrate you together.

Rest in Peace and God Speed, Carol Beardslee.
You were a shining example to us all. We are better for having known you.