A Remembrance: Hanna K. Still

"Deep within each of us we know where our life fulfillment lies.  We may not have spelled it out dictionary-pure.  But we know where we want to arrive.  I aimed to arrive at that place which many paths define as spiritual fulfillment, enlightenment, the path.  Fulfillment for me is to experience the spiritual truth of any moment.  There again, an inner Voice informs us and we experience the land of Knowing."     

-- Hanna K. Still  1925-2012



Last Sunday, I listened to people share stories about the many ways Hanna Still had influenced their lives and our community.  It was a heartfelt experience for me and hundreds of others in the church who were blessed to know this extraordinary woman.

When I was working for Wellsprings Friends School, I enjoyed some long conversations with Hanna at her home as well as brief talks during her many visits to the school and at Board meetings I attended.  The times I went to her home to talk privately were especially meaningful to me.  When I was with her, I felt touched by her soulful presence and her beautiful spirit.  She always listened intensely to what I had to say and spoke her views with deep conviction.  

I'm grateful for the time I was able to be with Hanna and for all the wisdom she shared with me.  May I carry my memories of her and her rich life legacy with me for the rest of my days.

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An Obituary With A Wish for Us All

I read an obituary in The Sunday Oregonian yesterday that delightfully captured the essence of the man:

"Ever the warrior philosopher.  With a laugh so infectious it reverberated and engaged.  A walking contradiction, who would proudly declare, 'It has never been my aim to be conventional,' and that is what guided his life."

His obit concludes:

"In lieu of flowers, to honor Axel do something unconventional or love someone deeply, or fix something with the proper tool or take utter delight is something small, or throw your head back and laugh with glee and gusto.  We will forever miss you, our dear one.  The rainbow will be brighter with your spirit.  Auf wiedersehen."

How would you like people you leave behind to honor you after your death?

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My Mother's Birthday (A Year After Her Passing)

My mother would have been 87 years old today.  She passed away on May 1, 2011.  I've thought of her many times during this past year, more often in recent weeks as I've been dealing with changes in my health.  Mom had some difficult months physically as she neared the end of her life.  Her strong faith and readiness to leave this world made her passing easier for the loved ones she left behind.  I'm overflowing with fond memories of her this day.

In my mother's honor, my favorite cafe offered to make a coffee cake which reminded me of the one mom used to make.  So, with others who bought a slice at the cafe today, I'll be enjoying the cake with my afternoon coffee.  Happy Birthday, Mom!

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