With a sense of sadness on this Valentine’s day, I wish to honor Brenda Rawlinson and her husband Peter Macmillan. Both dedicated advanced Imago couples therapists in their own right.
Chris and I first met Brenda and Peter at the Getting the Love You Want workshop in Lane Cove Sydney. This weekend’s couples workshops opened our eyes to what this relational therapy offers both personally and professionally. Peter and Brenda as husband and wife team lived this model of safe conversation, heartful joy, and growth toward deep connection. Their passion inspired us to complete the Clinical training they offered.
Brenda passed peacefully on Friday surrounded by love after a couple of years of dealing with a brain tumour and subsequent complications.
She will be mourned by many. Her legacy of love continues.
In an email, Peter shared their wedding vows and I respectfully share them here as a testament to their living them.
Brenda/Peter
I vow to love and cherish you always, to stand by you and support you, whatever life may bring.
I vow to respect you, to honour our differences, and to meet you with truth and passion.
I vow to recognize and support your soul’s journey in this life and to honour our relationship as a vehicle for healing and growth.
I vow to share with you the joy of our children, to be strong and loving with you in our parenting and to make our home a place of safety, nourishment, beauty and humour.
I vow to protect and grow our love in this sacred vessel our marriage.
Brenda/Peter, I love you and willingly embrace you as my wife/husband.
They truly say it all.
Loving and healing to all she touched, as Brenda’s light still shines bright.
Vale Brenda Rawlinson.
One of Brenda’s songs and a favorite of mine :
Dance Me to the End of Love, Leonard Cohen, Imperfect Offering