I am back home, and feeling a pull as the days get shorter, and light gets less to share again on my blog. I have been in Baltimore for the week, and then out to Rehoboth Beach with my BFF Lonnie. The work time and the play time was deeply nourishing and heartful. At the same time within three days two women who were so very inspiring to me, left this world. Both on their own terms and surrounded by those they most loved.
Susan M. Daniels, told me in 1997 as the Assistant Commissioner at SSA that she would get me the SSA data that I needed for my research demonstration, I am still waiting. What she did give me was permission to be passionate about work, to say out loud living on SSI is living in poverty, and poverty can be more disabling than any impairment, she was gut checking honest, and her laughter reflected how much she never lost touch of the amazing wonders of life! The angelic chorus is more complete with her expression now.
Barb Burdulis, one of a handful of lesbians who had their hair cut by BFF Lonnie Weiss, and who resided at Grace Harbor, a wonderful lesbian occupied home that provided a beacon for many of us. Barb had the bluest eyes, the most captivating smile, and the biggest heart that I had ever met. She walked quietly on the earth, deeply spiritual, wonderfully present, almost elfish at times. She leaves this world with a missing kind of grace, and it is a comfort to know that she is back with those kindred spirits that were reflected in her life.
These losses only accentuate the absolute preciousness of life. I am so glad that I was with the snow geese, hearing the ocean waves, smelling the sea as I said my goodbyes, felt the pain, smiled with the memories.
Outside the leaves are falling, some trees bare, some holding tightly and fully clothed in the fall texture of the leaves. The sky is lit. The crescent moon glowing beautifully in the morning dawn. The cycles continue. My heart if full.
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