I took this picture on our last walk on Dartmoor with Ray and MIJ. I had already snapped a few shots of the cross when MIJ stepped into the shot. I took two or three photographs with her back to me wondering if the cross marked a grave or had been placed there as a memorial of some kind. I know now that many of the stone crosses on Dartmoor were placed there as guideposts to let travelers know they were on the right path. It seemed appropriate to use this photograph today.
Ray called this morning. John was out so I took the call knowing before I answered what he was going to say. He told me that MIJ had died about 7:00 this morning and that she seemed peaceful and appeared to be in no pain.
He said that he had just finished writing a poem for her and had turned to open the curtains as it was just beginning to get light. When he turned back, he could see that her breathing had changed so he took her in his arms and held her as she slipped away. That’s the way he said it, ” I took her in my arms and held her, and she just slipped away.”
As much as MIJ loved Ray, I cannot think of anything she would have liked more than to be held by him at the end.
Ray & MIJ on Dartmoor – November 8, 2009
Gifts Of The Journey 
A sad day I know dear.
To go home in the arms of the one who loves you most must be the best way. I’m sure she felt the love of Ray so strongly as she left on that inevitable journey to a place where she is now pain free. My thoughts are with Ray, you and John, and all MIJ’s family and friends.
CELEBRATE her life and all she made of it.
My thoughts and prayers are with you, John and your friend Ray and everyone that knew this wonderful lady.
You have written a beautiful tribute post Elizabeth.
If only everyone had a friend like you, to write a post like that for them. Sending love.
..and look, Elizabeth – MIJ is wearing a RAINBOW on her head. I am not clear what is prompting me to say this to you, but something is. She looks like she is thoroughly enjoying that walk with all of you.
You have written lovely posts about both of them.
Prayers are going out for Ray and all who loved MIJ. That she was cradled by him at her last is overwhelming. The pictures you posted are wonderful and so fitting for the loving descriptions you have given of Marilyn and her Ray.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your friends. I know they will be touched by the lovely tribute you have written to your dear friend. The photos are beautiful.
Thinking of Ray and you all and thinking of the blessing for him and for her that he held her as she passed.
And how much it means that you shared these wonderful thoughts of her with us just a few days ago.
It’s *so* sad how fast this was.
Thinking of you.
A beautiful tribute, Elizabeth. It sounds like you had become close friends and I am sorry about your loss. She looks like she was a wonderful person and to know that she passed away in the arms of the man she loved hopefully provides some comfort. Hugs, Kxo
It doesn’t seem possible that your lovely friend could be so full of life only a few months ago. I’m sorry to hear your news. I hope you feel the strength of your friends and husband around you over the coming days.
So sorry for all of you. But I think you know you were blessed with her friendship for awhile anyway. Love should never be taken for granted.
Heartbreaking. So sorry for all of you at this time. x
So sorry to read this, she looked like she was a lovely lady, at least she is no longer in pain.
Yvonne x
My thoughts and prayers are with you. Thank you for reminding me of how precious life is and how we need to be so kind to ourselves and others daily.
What beautiful, poignant post. Your photos are amazing. The light and the subject matter in the first one, and her smile in the last brought tears to my eyes. I know what it is to say farewell to a loved one as they slip away. I’m sorry for your loss.
She looks like a woman who lived her life. I’m sorry for your loss.
What a beautiful ending, here, and a beginning somewhere else, sent off with love. Very moving post. She looked vibrant.