Goodbye, Blyth! by Chynnah McFadden

The Saint is leaving the building

cmcfadden12 — 2022-05-19 22:54:03 UTC

You absolutely are a saint. I have always appreciated the love and thought you put into your offerings for our team, whether that's been keeping vigil, sharing prayers, buying me a much needed drink, sharing Dillbilly wonders, and all the little joys too, and especially for keeping a prayer altar for FPL folks and all people impacted by your work. You are such a gift and blessing. We will miss you <3

Resilient

mcoward3 — 2022-05-23 19:40:52 UTC

Blyth!!! I am going to miss your resilience in the fight not only for FPL work but for your calling in this life-It was an honor to see someone working on harm reduction in a way I never really seen before. Your dedication to ensuring all people are protected and Ultimately ending the war on our drug system and the people swept in it and the discrimination toward those who use drugs is impeccable. For consistent prayer for others --for always pouring out for others and for even saying the things that others won't say in the moment. I am praying that God allows you to continue in this work and show himself mighty in the desires of your heart. Forever grateful for your work!!!

Say it Ain't So!

2022-05-23 20:56:29 UTC

Blyth, damn. I want to write a profound Jason Isbell-esque song to honor your contributions. :) I so appreciate your deep spirituality, tenacious organizing, candor and big heart. You will be so missed. I'm grateful our paths cross and hope they will again. Cheers my friend. John

The Unstoppable!

2022-05-23 22:14:54 UTC

Blyth, You have a heart and commitment to Harm Reduction that is undeniable and unstoppable until we have a system that truly affirms the dignity of all. I believe we will realize that dream because of folks like you out there in the vineyards journeying along and lifting up the voices and stories of the very ones central to your work. Your work touches so many and has touched me in ways you don't even know. I so admire the passion you bring and the authentic way you always show up. You will be missed. Your walk and work is "Loving your neighbor" in action! And because of that I know there is so much God will continue to do through you.
Shavonne

Thank you

2022-05-24 02:15:33 UTC

Byth, I know we have not known each other long but I am so grateful and blessed to have gotten to know you this past year. It's a transformative experience to watch you work and minister to our neighbors across Ohio; to witness your tenacity and grace; to listen to you share the "good news", the gospel, to those that need it most. Thank you for always leading by example, for challenging us and for always being willing to sit in the mess. Thank you for your voice and the words and truth you speak, both to those in power and those who seek to build it. I hope, pray and know our paths will cross again in the ( sometimes not so) great state of Ohio where we still need to meet over some coffee and Dick's Bakery. Until then, know Im always here and willing to sit in the mess with you. - Jon

Sacred truth

2022-05-24 13:57:14 UTC

Dearest Blyth, the first thing that comes to mind when I think of you is the altar you kept for us all during the early days of COVID. It was a symbol of both your deep spirituality and your leadership. You continued to carry this powerful love through an incredibly difficult succession of seasons. I'll always be grateful for that.

I'll also treasure the way we worked together to craft the story of harm reduction. That was so lovely and generative. Your thoughtfulness, encouragement, thoroughness and care made it shine. You pushed me with a loving hand.

And thank you most of all for your unrelenting honesty. That is the foundation of authentic leadership and love.

In that spirit, this is a mournful goodbye. Your resurrection work is so holy, I know you can't set it down. I wish you hadn't been forced to choose. With love and enduring gratitude,
Dan

Thank you

2022-05-24 16:04:31 UTC

Blyth, I want to thank you for showing me what true passion about the work looks like. It is a contagious thing that ripples to each person and makes the work so much better. I also want to thank you for speaking up at certain moments, even when things felt uncomfortable. I'm wishing you the best at whatever comes next for you in this life. --Austin

Blyth I have learned so much from you and especially enjoyed how you integrate ritual and spiritual practice into the work of harm reduction. You are so gifted and I know will continue to do transformative work. Jen

2022-05-24 16:49:23 UTC

Goodbye for now

2022-05-24 19:29:36 UTC

Blyth, You've been such a force in this work, this organization, and in my professional and personal life. You've taught me so much about how to be a neighbor to all, what love in a dying world looks like, and how worthy each of us are of love that honors and holds us even when our own feelings of inadequacy try to say otherwise. You are gentle, kind, strong, and unwavering. I'm inspired by you and will forever be grateful for our encounter. This is a sad situation but I pray for healing and recovery. Remember who you are. It is what's gotten you here, and it will get you even farther. Blessings on your journey! <3Nnedi

We'll miss you!

2022-05-24 19:56:28 UTC

Blyth, I so deeply appreciate your grace, vulnerability and passion for your work. I have learned so much from how you advocate for your community and always speak truth in love. I know we only overlapped for a short time here at FPL, but I am thankful to have met you and hope our paths cross again in the future! The work you are doing is sacred and impactful, and all my prayers and love go with you into this next season wherever you go. -Lizzy

Thank you

2022-05-24 19:56:49 UTC

Blyth, your love, insight, spirituality, and passion for your work are truly inspiring to me. You have helped me learn what it truly means to have a calling as you as you work to advocate and care for people who use drugs. I will miss working with you. It's been an honor. -Joe

Good luck Blyth

mjkober — 2022-05-24 20:50:11 UTC

Blyth, I hope you find a "next spot" to grace your presence with to work on harm reduction that is dear to your calling. Your dedication to it speaks volumes and I appreciate your hard work in this area. I do think this issue is a growing one and that there is something out there waiting for you to tap into so you can bring your passion and intellect to your next chapter. Wishing you all the best, Mary Jane