[Dialogue] Remembering David

[janallen5 at gmail.com]

To Pat and David,

I recall with fondness the five days we spent together some years ago, along with 997 other people, at a silent retreat conducted by Thich Nhat Hahn in San Diego.  Needless to say, we didn't talk much. But it meant a great deal to me to share that life-changing experience with the two of you. David's presence there, in particular, reminded me of the spiritual journey I'd begun in the summer of '69, my first visit to Fifth City. When I arrived at the retreat in San Diego, I was excited and expected a whole new world, all new people.  And the first people I saw when I got out of the car were David and Pat!  Their being there helped me see that we do not lose the treasures of our past regardless of how far we drift away.

Which brings up another precious memory for me.  I don't recall where we were, when, or what we were doing, but a group of us were meeting and David was conducting a meal conversation.  Someone began to tell a story about a loved one who'd passed away, then someone else told their story. It was a segue from the conversation we were having.  But David extended his hand, rolled it gently over and over and said...  keep telling the stories. That's how those who've passed live on. The silence that followed deepened the meaning of that moment, and then the stories kept coming and we were all transformed. 

The stories will indeed be told and the passing will keep the spirit of this man alive. 

Blessings to you both.

Namaste,
Jan (Latham) Allen

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