Today (April 1, 2020) has been one of the saddest days of my life when an official announcement was made confirming what I had heard earlier ….Dr. Desiree Maple, my friend and close colleague has passed. Utterly shocking, I tried my best to make sense of this news because I had just spoken to Desiree just two weeks ago and we talked about her illustrious plans for future career into retirement. It was somewhat consoling to hear she did not die from COVID19, but from other causes still unknown that may have occurred suddenly. That still didn’t take away the pain.

This blog is written as a tribute to the legacy of Desiree’s life, her contributions to her community and her substantive influence as a family member, friend, colleague, professional, Minister of the Haven Ministries Church and member of the Gospel Choir as well as a NYC Community Advocate and active participant in various other leadership roles.

Grieving the loss of a loved one is one the most stressful life changing experiences. And sometimes, that experience can be a meaningful turning point. As the departed transition to a new and eternal life, we also experience a transition. It is during this time, when we need the support, love and comfort from each other to share in the memory and tribute to the person who had special meaning for us and who touched our lives, helping to make it easier, healthier, more productive, more complete with a touch of peace, happiness and light.

During these unprecedented times of the novel Corona virus pandemic, we must change our every day behaviors and shelter in place, keeping at least 6 feet apart for our physical health. How would we survive this viral attack if it wasn’t for the Internet?  In this blog, we can continue to communicate, share our thoughts and feelings and express our deepest emotions that help us stay together, live in civility, respect and care for each other as humans. Thankfully we have this blog to give tribute to Desiree while we support each other and share in ways that may heal and offer a little light to what feels dark and sorrowful right now.

Creating this blog and sharing the first post on the life and legacy of Desiree has been for me, creative, expressive, healing and transformative as I believe it may be for you.

I invite you to share a post as we grieve the loss of our beloved Desiree Maple and in so doing, celebrate her life, her legacy and the very special and unique ways in which she touched our hearts or perhaps made an impression that influenced us in a positive way.