[Dialogue] Remembering David

[frank bremner]

"That's how those who've passed live on" - thanks for those words from David, Jan.  
 
I broke down recently when telling a relatively new friend - of only four years - of the death of my father in 1955 at the age of 70, almost in front of me, aged 8.  I hadn't expected so much stored-up grief, but he obviously lives on. 
 
I'm rejoicing in the birth of a second son to a 3-year-old friend, a daughter of a close friend Gloria, known to many of our Roundtable group in Adelaide.  Sue and many of us are still grieving - does it ever completely stop? - the death of her sister Helen just over a year ago, at the age of 31, in the midst of post-natal depression.  "Of blessed memory" is how I described her recently - one very Catholic phrase that I enjoy (in the best sense of the word) using.  
 
I'm so grateful for the stories about David, of blessed memory, that you folks in cyberspace are contributing - for so many reasons.
 
Grace and Peace
 
Frank Bremner
 




From: janallen5 at gmail.comTo: dialogue at wedgeblade.netDate: Wed, 6 Aug 2008 22:38:49 -0700Subject: [Dialogue] Remembering David



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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