Dean's Magical Journey: Spiritual Journey At the End Of Life

When he discovered, in November 2018, that his melanoma had returned, with his characteristic good humor and concern for others, Dean Michael Steigauf began writing a blog to be shared with family members and friends. This blog, recorded here, is Dean's magical journey, which has a path that is unknown at the start, winding through uncharted territory. Dean made his path as he walked it every step, bringing his readers along for mutual support. One of the remarkable results of Dean's blog is that it enabled him to examine his feelings, and through that process, he learned how to express those feelings to others, serving as a model for them to do the same. Dean's honesty and rawness in sharing what is happening on his journey is an inspiring example of facing life as it comes, in all circumstances, not just as we wish it to unfold. Dean is always conscious of the effect what he is reporting might have on his readers, all of whom love Dean and are loved by
him. He often expresses how much his faith, and the love of others, sustain him throughout this journey.

Dean shares his great sense of humor and evokes laughter in his readers in a circle of shared delight, even when the news on his physical condition is less than favorable. Every section of Dean's blog begins with his posting for that day and is followed by comments from his readers, creating a circle of shared love, support, and faith that the journey, however difficult it may become, is a shared journey with love always guiding it. It is a journey that continues because that love which is its guiding force, has no end. Dean Michael Steigauf died with dignity on July 15th, 2020, at his home in Jersey City, N.J., with his husband, John-Henry, by his side and family close by. His magical journey is unique to him, and it is also universal as the story of how love sustains and nurtures us in our mutual joys and sufferings as a means of honoring and celebrating his life, with the hope that it will provide comfort and courage to others on a similar journey.

Dean's earthly journey was also a spiritual journey. The following prayer, adapted by Bishop Philips Brooks, was one that Dean kept close to his heart. It continues to comfort and enlighten the hearts of all who love him:

"Do not pray for easy lives; pray to be stronger. Do not pray for tasks that are equal to your powers, but instead Pray for powers that are equal to your tasks. Then the doing of your work shall not be a miracle, But you shall become the miracle. Every day you shall wonder at yourself, at the riches of your life, which have come to you through the grace of God."