[Ansteorra] Viscountess Amanda Kendal, An Tir

[Bill Tait]

Greetings my friends. I am forwarding an email dictated by Her Excellency
Viscountess Amanda Kendal of Westmoreland. Those who have been around from
the early days may very well know, or know of her. Those who have not, are
truly missing out on knowing one of the Society's great Ladies. She and
Baron Gerhard Kendal served as founding Baron and Baroness of Lions Gate
for 26 years. They both were instrumental in the formation of An Tir, and
making the SCA what it is to thousands of people in An Tir. Baron Gerhard
left us several years ago, due to cancer, and the same fate lies ahead for
Amanda.

Amanda's Order of Precedence listing:

http://op.antirheralds.org/index.php?who=6


Her missive:

Dictated by HE Amanda Kendal of Westmorland mka Nancy Stevens on October 31
2011.  Amanda has asked that this be forwarded to the various lists.

My Dear Friends,

   As some of you know, I have been in the hospital this last month, where
I remain.  My heart has been touched by the outpouring of love from so many.
I can feel it every day.  I wish I could have talked to each of you before
sending this letter.

    At first, the doctors thought I had ovarian cancer, but after further
testing, they have told me that it is probably uterine and/or cervical
cancer.  Because it is advanced, it is inoperable.  I also have blood clots
in my lungs and am retaining water.  All of these things mean I am having
trouble breathing, trouble eating and am coughing a lot.  I will be
continuing to receive chemotherapy for pain and other symptom control.  I
may have two months, I may have less.  I may have six months.  We take it
one day at a time.  Please don't ignore pain, and visit your doctor.

    I have gotten to know all of you at tourneys, wars, banquets,
gatherings, workshops and classes.  You have all enriched my life, and most
of all I had fun.  I have so many memories it would take a book to write
down, but know that they are burned bright in my heart.  Thank you for
giving me a wonderful life.

    I have confidence you will continue to shine as I have always seen you,
and that you will continue to pass it forward to others.

    I hope to be at the banquet celebrating my birthday, and perhaps even
Twelfth Night.

    I love having visitors, cards and letters, emails and phone calls.
They are good medicine for my spirits.

    I have no fear; I look on the future as a grand adventure.

    I look forward to taking your tales to Gerhard and the others who have
gone on before.

    As Gerhard said: Life is too short.  If it is not fun, why are you
doing it?

                                   All my love,
                                     Amanda


Though the time has not yet come, I find myself overcome by emotion.
Getting ready to say goodbye to another friend...

William Arwemakere
An Tir