Meghan Belinda Cianelli Bennett

FAMILIA

We’re gathered here today to honor and remember a truly remarkable soul. As long as I’ve known Meghan, one of her greatest passions was an unwavering love for the water. The waves were her playground, and the winds were her guiding companions. Her smile was always the biggest and brightest when we set sail or dipped our toes into the cool, refreshing waters. Throughout her life, she found solace, joy, and freedom while on the water. This started at an early age with a neighborhood catamaran in the lake behind her childhood home in Davie, where Meghan and her friends would sail out to the middle of the lake and rock the boat until it flipped. Sometimes being able to right the ship, other times having to swim to shore. I saw this love firsthand many years later when we got our first boat. We often came home on a Friday night, dropped the boat in the water, and went to a local restaurant, spend Sundays with our friends at Lake Boca or anchored at the Hillsboro Lighthouse and go out for Mother’s day. Her love was not limited to being on the water but also in the water. She was dive certified, often going with her uncle or sister to catch lobster or just to spend time exploring coral reefs and exotic locations. Even our vacations were centered around water; either off on our new family tradition of a thanksgiving cruise or our annual friends Memorial Day vacation visiting the Florida Keys. Even when we weren’t cruising, she always found a sunset sail cruises from Key West, to Boston, to New York, Her passion for the water extended beyond mere leisure. It was a profound connection, a source of inspiration, and a sanctuary where she could truly be herself. She embraced every aquatic adventure, from exploring cenotes to conquering mighty rapids, always cherishing the beauty of nature that surrounded her. And she shared this love with others! She took a, at best, semi-cultured mountain boy and turned him into a world explorer, cruising to places I never knew existed. Her enthusiasm was infectious, drawing friends and family into the enchanting world of aquatic wonder. I’ll cherish those countless memories we created, laughter echoed across tranquil lakes, and bonds were strengthened amid the splendor of sunsets on the horizon. I think about how much the water meant to Meghan, I can’t help but see parallels in our relationship and boating. I was Meghan’s ship. Providing shelter in calm and rough waters, in ever changing and sometimes chaotic weather. Ensuring she was safe and would make it through whatever we were going through. And she was my captain, my compass, my northern star. She knew how to guide me and make me a better person. She knew when to raise my sails to push me forward and when to drop my anchor to keep me grounded. She knew when it was time to set out to sea for adventure and when it was time to stay safely docked. Although this ship has lost its caption, I take all those things Meghan gifted me and ensure those lessons are never forgotten and never lost. Today, as we bid farewell to our beloved water enthusiast, let us not mourn her passing, but rather, celebrate the life she led—a life that epitomized the beauty of embracing one's passions, finding peace in nature's embrace, and sharing that boundless love with others. Though she may no longer be physically with us, her spirit lives on in the rivers and lakes of East Tennessee, in the oceans and seas from the Caribbean to Canada, along the shores of Ireland to Croatia, and in the rains from Oregon to California, she cherished so dearly. Every time we gaze upon the water's shimmering surface, let us remember the joy, the laughter, and the indomitable spirit of our dear friend. On Meghan’s behalf I’m going to ask all of you to do three things. First, have patience and love for one another. Over the past few weeks, I’ve been the driver in front of you that didn’t go when the light first turned green, I’ve been the shopper who forgot how to use the card reader checking out at the grocery store, I’ve been the person who took too long to order because I couldn’t put my thoughts together. I suspect Meghan’s parents and sister, and some of you here, have been in that position as well. But that person behind me at the light didn’t honk, that person behind me at the grocery store didn’t become agitated at the delay, and the person taking my order was kind and patient while I figured out what to say. Those people did not know what had happened. They did not know what we were going through. But they gave us exactly what we needed; without a thank you or recognition. So I ask you be those people for Meghan. You can never know if the annoying person in line in front of you, or that annoying customer is me. Second, do not delay in living your life. At 38 years old, Meghan and I thought we had decades of time left to explore new places, try new things. I’ll remember the trip to Scotland that almost happened last November. Or the Alaskan cruise that was always scheduled for next year. If you’re afraid to take too much time off, or you’re afraid there’s too much going on at work, or if you’re concerned about what the weather may be like during the trip, or any of the hundreds of other things you may worry about, push those aside. Make the leap. Spend your life living and exploring. Third, and last, I’m going to ask, that any time you see a sunrise or sunset, and the sky is that brilliant, vibrant red, stop and remember your favorite memory of Meghan. And after you’ve recalled that favorite memory, tell her of all the adventures you’ve had since you last thought of her. After Meghan was diagnosed, and couldn’t always participate in things we did before, she was adamant that we continue to explore and continue to do those things she loved. However, it came with a caveat. After you were done, you had to tell her all about it because she wanted to continue to live vicariously through us. I promise to Meghan, that will continue to be kind and patient, loving even those I do not know. I promise to set aside trivial concerns and pursue adventure and exploration. I promise to remember her now and for always and to seek out those beautiful vibrant red sunsets until the day I meet her again. May her legacy forever be etched into the waves and treasured in our hearts. Rest in peace, my mermaid, and may your soul forever find serenity in the eternal embrace of the water you so cherished. We’re gathered here today to honor and remember a truly remarkable soul. As long as I’ve known Meghan, one of her greatest passions was an unwavering love for the water. The waves were her playground, and the winds were her guiding companions. Her smile was always the biggest and brightest when we set sail or dipped our toes into the cool, refreshing waters. Throughout her life, she found solace, joy, and freedom while on the water. This started at an early age with a neighborhood catamaran in the lake behind her childhood home in Davie, where Meghan and her friends would sail out to the middle of the lake and rock the boat until it flipped. Sometimes being able to right the ship, other times having to swim to shore. I saw this love firsthand many years later when we got our first boat. We often came home on a Friday night, dropped the boat in the water, and went to a local restaurant, spend Sundays with our friends at Lake Boca or anchored at the Hillsboro Lighthouse and go out for Mother’s day. Her love was not limited to being on the water but also in the water. She was dive certified, often going with her uncle or sister to catch lobster or just to spend time exploring coral reefs and exotic locations. Even our vacations were centered around water; either off on our new family tradition of a thanksgiving cruise or our annual friends Memorial Day vacation visiting the Florida Keys. Even when we weren’t cruising, she always found a sunset sail cruises from Key West, to Boston, to New York, Her passion for the water extended beyond mere leisure. It was a profound connection, a source of inspiration, and a sanctuary where she could truly be herself. She embraced every aquatic adventure, from exploring cenotes to conquering mighty rapids, always cherishing the beauty of nature that surrounded her. And she shared this love with others! She took a, at best, semi-cultured mountain boy and turned him into a world explorer, cruising to places I never knew existed. Her enthusiasm was infectious, drawing friends and family into the enchanting world of aquatic wonder. I’ll cherish those countless memories we created, laughter echoed across tranquil lakes, and bonds were strengthened amid the splendor of sunsets on the horizon. I think about how much the water meant to Meghan, I can’t help but see parallels in our relationship and boating. I was Meghan’s ship. Providing shelter in calm and rough waters, in ever changing and sometimes chaotic weather. Ensuring she was safe and would make it through whatever we were going through. And she was my captain, my compass, my northern star. She knew how to guide me and make me a better person. She knew when to raise my sails to push me forward and when to drop my anchor to keep me grounded. She knew when it was time to set out to sea for adventure and when it was time to stay safely docked. Although this ship has lost its caption, I take all those things Meghan gifted me and ensure those lessons are never forgotten and never lost. Today, as we bid farewell to our beloved water enthusiast, let us not mourn her passing, but rather, celebrate the life she led—a life that epitomized the beauty of embracing one's passions, finding peace in nature's embrace, and sharing that boundless love with others. Though she may no longer be physically with us, her spirit lives on in the rivers and lakes of East Tennessee, in the oceans and seas from the Caribbean to Canada, along the shores of Ireland to Croatia, and in the rains from Oregon to California, she cherished so dearly. Every time we gaze upon the water's shimmering surface, let us remember the joy, the laughter, and the indomitable spirit of our dear friend. On Meghan’s behalf I’m going to ask all of you to do three things. First, have patience and love for one another. Over the past few weeks, I’ve been the driver in front of you that didn’t go when the light first turned green, I’ve been the shopper who forgot how to use the card reader checking out at the grocery store, I’ve been the person who took too long to order because I couldn’t put my thoughts together. I suspect Meghan’s parents and sister, and some of you here, have been in that position as well. But that person behind me at the light didn’t honk, that person behind me at the grocery store didn’t become agitated at the delay, and the person taking my order was kind and patient while I figured out what to say. Those people did not know what had happened. They did not know what we were going through. But they gave us exactly what we needed; without a thank you or recognition. So I ask you be those people for Meghan. You can never know if the annoying person in line in front of you, or that annoying customer is me. Second, do not delay in living your life. At 38 years old, Meghan and I thought we had decades of time left to explore new places, try new things. I’ll remember the trip to Scotland that almost happened last November. Or the Alaskan cruise that was always scheduled for next year. If you’re afraid to take too much time off, or you’re afraid there’s too much going on at work, or if you’re concerned about what the weather may be like during the trip, or any of the hundreds of other things you may worry about, push those aside. Make the leap. Spend your life living and exploring. Third, and last, I’m going to ask, that any time you see a sunrise or sunset, and the sky is that brilliant, vibrant red, stop and remember your favorite memory of Meghan. And after you’ve recalled that favorite memory, tell her of all the adventures you’ve had since you last thought of her. After Meghan was diagnosed, and couldn’t always participate in things we did before, she was adamant that we continue to explore and continue to do those things she loved. However, it came with a caveat. After you were done, you had to tell her all about it because she wanted to continue to live vicariously through us. I promise to Meghan, that will continue to be kind and patient, loving even those I do not know. I promise to set aside trivial concerns and pursue adventure and exploration. I promise to remember her now and for always and to seek out those beautiful vibrant red sunsets until the day I meet her again. May her legacy forever be etched into the waves and treasured in our hearts. Rest in peace, my mermaid, and may your soul forever find serenity in the eternal embrace of the water you so cherished.

DONACIONES

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute - In Honor of Meghan Cianelli Bennett