September 12, 2010

Lee




Lee at a Fanatical Feasters Gathering, 2008.



Yesterday and Today

Himself: Estate sales, lunch, museum where there were a goodly number of visitors, dinner out, movie, and presents for his wife…..me.

Herself: …and the quilt blog too: Estate sales…where we found nothing, lunch at home, depression until I started reading my newest ocean liner books, dinner out at PF Changs, “Eat, Pray, Love” which ran long, and more presents for me. He spoiled me. Daughters and friends called….especially wonderful to hear from old roommate Ric…we share a birthday. Many cards. I love my friends.

My Babylonian Captivity: Do stop in and read Tugster's experience as a human shield. He writes that, “ i was captured in Kuwait (where i was teaching in the Kuwaiti air force)….”

Gratitude: Lee’s presence in our lives.

Let me tell you about Lee. Lee was a teacher. Lee cared. He taught immunology, and when he retired, he taught at the Blind Center here in Town. Lee was passionate about tai chi. He loved butterflies and ornate Indian jewelry…which he wore with great enthusiasm. Lee was even more passionate about bonsais, and he was the first to bonsai succulents. His tiny cottage was surrounded by bonsais, and parked among them was his fully restored, bright orange VW bug.

Simple words to describe a complicated man.

Raised on a farm with many sisters and brothers, he escaped to the military then to college where he gained his PHD. Married with two kids, he lived for many years separate from his wife. The good doctor Lee worked in research then began his teaching career where he changed the lives of many young students.

More simple words that doesn’t tell you of all the friends and family that care. Lee was moved to hospice care today.



Lee’s VW next to one of Bob and Terry’s Mercs. Terry died this year also.

6 comments:

  1. So sorry my dear. These iconic characters always leave a big space when they depart from our daily routines. They never fit perfectly into real life, but do proved the spice that we need.

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  2. I am so sorry to hear about your friend. Some people have so much zeal for life that they make a huge mark on the world. Blessings to you for caring so much.

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  3. Thinking of you. And your friends.

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  4. This has been a year of so many losses for you like it has been for us. I really believe, though, that for each remarkable person who passes, like this dear and amazing man, there will be at least one child born who has at least a spark of those who have left us and that they will thrive.

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  5. How very sad to see the life of such a beautiful man near his end. You've written a lovely, eloquent remembrance of him.

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  6. I'm sorry. Its so hard when the people around you that you have known forever start to get sick and leave us. I always start to look in the mirror then and wonder.

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