Remembering Derek Shelly

Hi everyone, Yvonne Heath here from Love Your Life to Death.
On November 30th 2019, it was such an honour to attend a celebration of
life for an incredible person in our community. Reverend S. Derek Shelly.

As I heard his incredible grandchildren speak about what a wonderful Papa
they had, even one of his grandchildren sang, it was such a beautiful and moving experience and also reminding me how grateful I am that Derek was a
significant part of my life. He was a Minister that visited the Hospital and
Hospice comforting people in life grief and death many times. He was also
one of the first people I reached out to when I was writing my book
Love Your Life to Death. Derek is in my book sharing his incredible wisdom
on spirituality and living life to the fullest. At the same time as I writing my
book, he was completing his on spirituality called Dying to Live. It is a story
of guiding people on their journey. I would encourage everyone and anyone
to find and read this book.

I also wanted to express my gratitude to Derek because he had a radio show
called Soul Matters. The first time I was on the radio was on his show.
Ironically James Carroll was there who died a few years ago. It was such a wonderful experience for me. Then on my radio show (I Just Showed Up)
Derek was the second person that I interviewed. But the very most significant thing was this speaking journey that I have been on (sharing my message everywhere!) was that I was terrified to public speak. Derek said to me in June 2014 “Let’s do a speaking event together”. There was 45 people gathered at
Trinity United Church in Huntsville in a back room, and I felt that I was going
to be OK because Derek was going to be with me. Then at the last minute
Derek said “I have to go talk to someone…don’t worry, you will be great!”
I held back my tears, and I spoke to the audience and that was the beginning
of my speaking career.

I am forever grateful to Derek, and this also reminds me that at this time
of year and always there are many people celebrating and grieving.
Let’s always remember that, to be grateful for people who are in our lives
and remember those that are missing them.
We can get through all of this together.



Thank you for being part of our community. 
 To learn more about our new
Get Ready for Grief
online program
click here

Purchase your copy of Love Your Life to Death here,
    our Audio, From Avoidance to Resilience or your
          #IJustShowedUp bracelet. 

    Click here to see Yvonne's TEDx Talk