Tea Party at The Weldon Foundation

To Sheryl Weldon A Beacon of Grace and Strength

From the moment I met you, Sheryl, your light has been undeniable. In a season of uncertainty, when my world had shifted from comfort to chaos, your presence brought something I didn’t know I needed: hope wrapped in warmth, grace, and sisterhood.

You didn’t just offer words of encouragement, you lived them. And in the midst of my diagnosis, when I was learning to navigate life with new eyes and a fragile heart, you did something incredibly powerful: you invited me in.

That first tea party wasn’t just an event; it was a moment I’ll never forget. Surrounded by others who were walking through their own terminal journeys, I felt seen, accepted, and uplifted. There was laughter where I expected silence. Connection where I feared isolation. Love, where grief had once tried to take root. And you made that possible.

You gave me more than an invitation, you gave me a space to breathe, to be celebrated, to wear my scars like royal jewels. In a room filled with women fighting silent battles, you led with dignity and joy. You reminded me that even in the hardest times, there’s still beauty to be experienced, sisterhood to lean on, and life to be honored.

Thank you, Sheryl, for being that kind of woman for showing us what courage looks like dressed in elegance, for using your journey to uplift others, and for choosing to include me in such a sacred space. Your tea party was more than a gathering; it was a turning point. And your heart has left a permanent mark on mine.

With deep gratitude.

Elaine Taylor