Many of you may be wondering who was the young woman who died in our hot tub here on Orcas on Sept. 30, 2014. She was our daughter – Amanda May Ferguson aka Binah Zing – and so much more. Before I continue, let me answer the question hanging from your lips. There was no reason for her death found during an autopsy or from toxicology. We have learned to accept that our daughter just died.

But her death is not what is important. It is her life: 29 magical years full of learning, love, art and her ability to touch and motivate others. We would like to share that with you. Manda (as we fondly called her) grew up in Tacoma along with her younger sister, Sara, and her parents Robert and Sherwin. She left for Maryland Institute College of Art at age 18. She created art, wrote, acted and sang from the time she was little.

She loved nature, learning and reading and could debate most things. She loved animals, with cats being her favorite.

In 2009 she was ready to return to the Pacific Northwest after some soul-searching journeys to Thailand and the southwest U.S. She settled in Portland and the seed for the Onedoorland community began. By 2011 Onedoorland had begun to blossom, and the art and healing community started to attract visitors from all over the world. Manda (Binah) met the wonderful Elijah Parker in 2011, her fiancé when she died, and he partnered with her in the vision and development of Onedoorland.

Binah believed in the power of sending your intention to the universe. She felt anything was possible and worked hard to bring her dreams to fruition. One of her greatest gifts was her ability to empower, prod, and support others to follow their passion. She was not uncomfortable with challenges, conflicts or showing her emotions.

Her loss from this earth leaves a very large hole, but this shadow and challenge is here to make us better, stronger and more loving and open. That is a constant challenge – one she left us. She was always assigning homework.

Our daughter’s message, and our message, is to make a difference on this earth, because you can. Follow your passion, and don’t be afraid to live your life and love others. No excuses.

Sherwin Ferguson

Eatonville