THE SHALOM LABYRINTH

Shalom VeGodsky passed away on 07/03/2004. She was the cofounder of my practice, and of course, my late wife. Many readers of this site knew Shalom as a healer, beloved friend or family member. Shalom's memory is being honored through the creation of a beautiful area for walking meditation for all of the public to enjoy, in front of the Unity Church in Charlottesville. The following is more information, including tax-deductible contribution opportunities, regarding The Shalom Labyrinth.

May 16th, 2008

Dearest friends, family and lovers of the memory of Shalom,

Today is Shalom's birthday, May 16th. I've enjoyed taking some time today to be thankful and to celebrate Shalom's beautiful gifts in my life. As this day winds down, this seems like a perfect time to take a moment to update you on the progress of the Shalom Labyrinth. At this point, we've raised about $12,000 towards this project. I thank all of you, from the depths of my being, who have contributed time, energy and/or money to this project. Since I last wrote, we've been figuring out more details of the project... colors, landscaping, sitting areas around the labyrinth, pathways, the centerpiece of the rosette, etc. I was interviewed a few months ago and an article appeared in the local newspaper about Shalom and the Shalom Labyrinth. We are working on some artist's renderings of the project. We are about to make a presentation to the congregation and ask for more funds. I am visualizing us breaking ground on this project sometime in the late fall of this year or in the early spring of next year.

I hope this letter finds all of you well and happy. I'm including a copy of the previous letter I sent for any of you who would like to forward this on to anyone else and also to remind you what it will look like and where you can send any additional contributions.

My love to all of you, Steve

December 6th, 2007

I have been looking for a way to permanently honor the memory of my dear departed wife and deepest inspiration, Shalom. A few months ago, right between her birthday and our anniversary, what feels like the perfect tribute, presented itself to me. As many of you know, Shalom was very active in the Unity Church in Charlottesville (UCIC). Additionally, she was dedicated to the healing of others and ourselves, and her name means "peace". UCIC has decided to build a beautiful labyrinth at the entrance of the church, and at my suggestion to honor Shalom, name it "The Shalom Labyrinth". It will be for the use of the entire Charlottesville community. A labyrinth is a geometrically designed path within a large circle, intended for meditative walking. It is a place where people go to look within, quiet their minds, find inner guidance, resolve internal conflicts, "be here now" and enjoy peace. I have put down a good chunk of seed money for this project and I am inviting you, if the spirit moves you, to also support this project. We are looking for an additional $100,000 to complete the Shalom Labyrinth.

If you wish to contribute monetarily, please make your check payable to "Unity" and write "Shalom Labyrinth" on the memo line. All contributions are 100% tax deductible. Please send your check to:

Unity Church in Charlottesville
2825 Hydraulic Circle
Charlottesville, Va. 22901

If you are not moved to contribute financially, please send your thoughts, prayers and blessings to this project. If you have any questions about this project, please call me at 434-973-0489 or 434-409-8220.

I am including attachments of some sample pictures of labyrinths built by the same gentleman that UCIC is commissioning to build The Shalom Labyrinth. These pictures are representative of the beauty we intend to create at UCIC and share with our community. I am envisioning a Hebrew "SHALOM" in the center of the rosette. We will be offering many ways to give you an opportunity to add your own personal thought, tribute or memorial message to this labyrinth. So far, possibilities include an engraved brick, dedicating a bench, leaving a message in a time capsule or an inscribed landscaping plaque or stepping stone.

Sending you love, appreciation and peace,

Steve/Es