Unto Æthelmearc do Timothy and Gabrielle send greetings,

By now, most of you have heard that Master Cynwulf Rendell died Saturday afternoon. Our hearts and indeed the entire kingdom’s hearts go out to his wife, THL Eleanore Godwin and family. We are all less then we were because he no longer stands among us.

Over the past few weeks, many of those closest to him made the arrangements to have a [Pelican] vigil for him at Harvest Raids. Regalia was prepared for the ceremony. Food was prepared for a vigil. A scroll was made. His health took a turn for the worse, and he decided he couldn’t make the journey to the event, so We decided to split up, have Gabrielle fulfill our responsibilities on site, while Timothy traveled to his residence in Buffalo to do the ceremony.

We have been well familiar with his contributions to our kingdom for quite some time. But an elevation ceremony with worthy after worthy unable to read their words through tear filled eyes reinforces it unlike anything I (Timothy) have ever experienced. The list of people he has inspired and touched is too numerous to easily make. And that is precisely what drives us to type this letter.

All of us who were at his ceremony took a couple brief moments and spoke with him after his ceremony. He said something to me (Timothy) that should be a learning lesson for us all. In essence, he said, “I didn’t realize so many people cared”. In speaking with Mistress Cori, he had said something similar to her.

None of us are promised a new morning. All anyone wants in life is to know that they are liked and appreciated. Heck, many of our members join the SCA because they have found a place where they feel welcome. Don’t wait to tell someone they have made a difference in your life. A kind word, a smile, sharing a laugh, helping carry a burden. None of these things cost a dime and yet all of them can make a world of difference. We all get a little self absorbed at times, and need to take those few seconds to make a difference in the lives of others. We shall redouble our efforts to be there for others.

In mourning, we remain in eternal service to Æthelmearc,

Timothy and Gabrielle