V's Version

My hero is leaving this earth but not without a message to us all....

(As dictated to Stacy from Heather)

Hello Lovetroopers,

Here I am, about to cross the border to "insert scary music here" -
The Other Side. (BOM-BOM-BOMMMMMM)

I've never been this certain of my own death before. Frankly, I feel
like shit. However, I have been this close to my own misery before
when I was this sick in the hospital last year. And it SUCKS!!

As of tomorrow, if all goes according to plan, I should have
the "aid in dying" drugs available to me and, through a relatively
uncomplicated process, be in a position to take my own life with
some level of dignity and ease.

Obviously, I wish I'd had a lot more time to visit with each and
every one of you, to tell you how much you meant to me over the
intervening months and years that we've known each other. However,
apparently it was not meant to be that way. Please know that each of
you has left a permanent mark on my heart and I feel humbled and
grateful to have had you in my life for even a brief and shining
moment.

If you should be so inclined as to have a memorial service in my
honor, please do not have a "celebration of life." Have a fucking
FUNERAL. The best way to honor my memory is to take care of your
physical and mental well-being, against any and all odds.

Neverending love, XL, yours -

Heather

P.S. from Heather, but not in her own words: We know how much all of
you will want to say your goodbyes to Heather individually. And as
much as she would love to be able to talk to each and every one of
you tonight, she's feeling tired and won't be able to field so many
calls. There's no perfect way to say goodbye, and she's been buoyed
so long by all of your love that she knows so well and so deeply how
much you all love her.

Please continue to share your stories and memories of Heather on the
Lovetroopers list throughout the night. We will be printing them and
reading them to her tomorrow morning so she can share in the love
you're sending her. The cards you sent with your Valentine's words
are up in her room right now.

P.S.S. - Heather's yelling from the other room that people should be
taking care of each other. In fact, if you have other Lovetroopers
in your area, please feel encouraged to gather together tonight to
care for one another and to send Heather peace and love through this
transition.

P.S.S.S. - We will send out an email tomorrow when the timing is
finalized so that everyone has a chance to sit with Heather quietly,
wherever you are, as she goes to sleep.