Tracy Kerslake

6/16/1969 – 10/2/2010

A love letter to my wife

Dearest Tracy Sue,

You are and will forever be my Sweet Peach. Although my heart breaks for the days we will not have, I’m comforted by the years we had and the many ways you enriched my life. You are free from the pain and suffering, in a peaceful place surrounded by the animals you loved and people you missed.

Your upbringing in Woodinville, Washington inspired your love for animals which have been a constant part of your life bringing with them their unconditional love and comfort. Thank you for sharing them with me as they will always be in my life and in my heart. Rest assured that Romio, Karma Sue, and Beamer will be cared for and loved. Your school years in Woodinville encouraged your love for music, song, and people. Thank you for sharing those passions with me. I’m glad you were able to reconnect with the friends from your youth in recent years as those connections often helped to ease your pain and make your days a little brighter. Tracy: kind, caring, thoughtful, honest, and true.

It was one of those serendipitous coincidences in 2003 when you reached out to a wacky piano man who inspired your move to Kirkland, WA that positively impacted so many lives. During your three years in Kirkland, you gained so much self-confidence and became the woman I fell head over heels for. Thank you for befriending “The Ducks”. I loved that you cared so much for them and were so intent on keeping them on the straight and narrow in spite of their inclinations to do otherwise. The many special occasions we all shared together will be remembered fondly for the rest of my life and the rest of theirs. Mama Duck will always be looking out for them and I’m sure fretting over their silly mishaps and misadventures. Tracy: loyal, zany, talkative, ripped, pit bull.

Courting you was no easy task and with so many mutual friends we both had a stake in getting it right. In spite of our calamitous first date, we saw enough in each other that we went on a second and the rest is history. From the “No $#!* Sign” date to our “big block of time” and the many places we saw and things we did, I knew you were the one for me. I’ll never forget the “Grrrr face” you made on our fishing our trip in Hawaii. Tracy: Vivacious, fun, smart, strong, sensitive, super cute .

April 25th 2006, was the day that forever changed us. Little did we know that it would send us on a journey that would physically and emotionally connect us in ways I would’ve never thought possible. Never once did we consider giving-up on the prospects for your recovery. As time went on, I learned what real commitment and dedication meant. You taught me to be stronger than I ever thought possible while nurturing my personal and professional development along the way. You taught me what it means to be selfless and I took great satisfaction in finding ways to help you, make you more comfortable, and put those unforgettable smiles on your face as often as possible. Tracy: courageous, brave, constant, self-aware.

I’ll never forget how you planned our wedding from bed and how much it kept your spirits high even during extremely painful times. I’m inspired by your self-advocacy and your thirst for learning. I’m glad you found various “families” and even medical professionals in your life that provided comfort when you were down and filled the gaps where I couldn’t. They all love you and though they will miss you deeply, they are at peace that you are happy and free. Tracy: soft, tough, loving, devoted.

As we close this chapter in our lives, our relationship will change but it will forever remain. I take with me the lessons and memories, your bright smiles and those big beautiful eyes. I will cherish the times we had and will remember you often in the weeks, months, and years to come. You are and will forever be my Sweet Peach. In your own words: “I love you always and all ways.”

Your Special K

Tracy is survived by; her loving husband Kent, mother Susan Johnston, sisters, Jakki , and Kristina (Faller).

Family and friends are invite to attend a memorial in her honor on Thursday, October 14th, 2010 at 1:30 pm, Sunset Hills Funeral Home, 1215 -145th Place SE, Bellevue, WA 98007.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to The Brain Injury Association of Washington (BIAW) http://www.biawa.org and the American Chronic Pain Association http://www.theacpa.org .

Arrangements under the direction of Sunset Hills Funeral Home, Bellevue, WA.