My father

07-18-2000, 11:09 PM

After I returned from Diamond Hill on Sunday, I got a message that my
father had passed away on Saturday night. Actually, right about the time
of the salsa dancing. He had been very ill, often painfully, for 2 years.
A few months ago, I went to see him in Seattle for what I knew would be the
last time. It was a nice meeting, clear, un-encumbered, loving, spacious.

My family thinks he went peacefully and purposefully when he did. My
mother, a good 50's-style wife and mother who lived for and through her
husband for over half a century, is taking it hard. But knowing he was at
peace gives her some comfort, and she's learning a bit about how grieving
is done. I spent a lot of time with her on the phone. Our family is
atheist by tradition, but my sister (45 years old) has a Japanese boyfriend
who is introducing her to Buddhism, and this is helping her. She in turn
is helping my mother.

The lady I am seeing and I are pretty serious, will probably get engaged
soon. Her name is Ann (Yan-Ming). She's from Canton, above Hong Kong. A
few weeks ago, she had a beautiful Chinese agate and crystal bracelet
custom-made for my mother, with a matching necklace. She wants to give
this to my mother when she meets her. I think we'll go in December for the
holidays. This cheered my mom up, I think she'd like to see me married!
When we go, we might gather with Michael Read and some others in Portland
or thereabouts.

Love youse guys!

--Greg

07-19-2000, 04:26 AM

Bless you, Greg. I'm happy you've found love and wish you deep peace with
your father's death. Losing a parent can have the effect of launching the
children on unexpected (but not unwelcome) life-trajectories. I hope yours
is filled with starlight. Love, Holly