From Cindy's point of view .....

Our love story is as old as the ages and as new as the dawn of each day.

In the summer of 2000, I was encouraged by friend Linda Eastburn to attend a particular research meeting where Tracy was scheduled to be the guest speaker. I did attend the meeting and introduced myself to Tracy after he spoke. When I looked into his soft blue eyes, it was if I was looking inside someone I had known forever. I felt an immediate and surprising connection with Tracy. This soft-spoken man I just met quietly asked if I would like a hug. With a gentle embrace, I felt a heart and soul connection with Tracy that was deeper than I had felt before with another man. And indeed, we discovered later that I knew many of Tracy's tendencies, his likes and dislikes. Tracy felt an immediate connection with me as well.

A couple of nights later, I attended a group meeting Linda held at her home. Tracy attended this meeting also. Again I spoke with Tracy feeling wonderful, yet quizzical emotions. I inquired about some of the Spiritual/holistic classes Tracy taught which I later attended.

Gradually, Tracy and I spent more and more time together and began working together as part of Tracy's Spiritual/Holistic consulting team. Eventually, we saw clients in Springfield, the Kansas City area, and we spent 10 days a month in the Cincinnati Ohio area.

Tracy and I love intellectually stimulating conversation, exploration and discussion of Spiritual and holistic ideology, walks in nature, a variety of music and movies, and much more. We both have a desire to share our various talents with individuals and groups to assist others in finding their passion in life; to help others along their spiritual path, their personal growth and wellness.

In January of 2002, Tracy experienced a major stroke which affected over 60% of his cerebellum and other areas of his brain. At the onset of the stroke, Tracy experienced right side weakness and deficits, constant dizziness and vomiting, balance problems, had quadruple vision (saw four of everything), difficulty swallowing and his voice sounded like "Mickey Mouse on helium." In short, the medical staff at St. John's were concerned with Tracy's survival and concerned that should he survive, if he would be ambulatory and able to care for himself. Through the use of a myriad of traditional and alternative therapies and treatments, as well as prayer, Tracy has recovered to the point of the reduction of his symptomology and has learned to compensate with the remaining ones.

Tracy and I approached his illness in the way that we try to approach life - with grace, compassion, hope and gratitude. We approached his wellness as a team and were blessed by the support and prayers of many, many people. While we would not wish this type of illness to be repeated, we have experienced many gifts from this challenge. In many ways, it has made our relationship stronger.

While we had discussed marriage long ago, Tracy wanted to be physically well enough to walk me down the aisle. On December 14, 2003, Tracy officially proposed.

We believe that we are truly soul mates. I feel so blessed to have a man in my life who is so compassionate; of such depth in Spirit and intellect; who loves me as unconditionally as one could ever hope for; who supports me in whatever I choose to do, and offers the most warm and comforting hugs in the world.

Cindy

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