"18plus4" - Death by a Million Tiny Scratches

On Tue, Jul 17, 2012 at 7:09 PM, Dave R wrote:

Hi Mom,

  Finally found that poem.  It was in another blog.  Here it is, pretty heavy stuff...

Love you!

---Dave.

 

 

======================================
"18plus4"

A beauty deep in her core.
Of energy and spirit so rarely found before.
But the long ago cost of being had forged a shape to her heart.
Her pain and its rage unrelenting, my love she unthinking ripped apart.

She won't fight fair, her rage reddens the air.
It leaves an ever widening chasm as it tears.
Staining slowly crimson red on all our years.

One tiny scratch, and then Another. 
Drip. Drip - Strong am I, the anger to withstand.
But the blood falls thick on rich dark soil.
Drip.  Drip - Difficult are her demons to disband.
After far too long the earth begins to spoil.

Drip. Drip - More frequent now,
while the tears of my soul keep asking why.
And the strength of my love fades now each day into the sky.

Drip. Drip.
Finally the blood claims its cost.
18 plus 4.  A lifetime is lost,
Death by a million tiny scratches.
No longer this cold crimson pain willing to sustain.
I'm taking my dirt now to go find warm, healing rain.

--- Here are a couple more I wrote up during that same amazing year ---

===========================================
"Zombie Lovers"

Dead People.
Zombie Lovers.
Emotional Infants.

I loved.
18+4. I counselled and yet still bled.
So OK.
18+4. I learned and knew Enough had been said.

I know I'm not the only one out there.
She is waiting too, somewhere.
I wait.

Oh this is so nice and so unexpected.
But I can see my heart just isn't interested.
I wait.
 

She is waiting too, somewhere.
Another shows me how to grow,
And yet even I can tell, oh Hell no.
I wait.

She is waiting too, somewhere.
Another and I lose my head,
but she's unclear and full of dread.
And it's 18+4 all over again. 
It hurts but I'm grateful for the pain.

And still I return to the wait.

There's another now,
My soul opens and I know it isn't too late.
This time I know what to say,
And so the romance we play.

She smiles. Her smile is so bright.
And as we talk her soul feels so light.
No zombie lover who can't escape the game.
She takes my hand, while I'm thinking the same.
Yes.  Finally this is completely sane. 

==========================================

"A Glimpse of Something Bright"

 

Time...
...time
She came into sight, a glimpse of something bright.
A smile in the air. Transfixed, I had to stare.

Casual warmth we spoke, it felt sweet, my soul awoke.
Her soul shined, Her shimmer did blind.
Love.
I felt life hum, saying the best is yet to come.





 ==========================================

"Something Bright"

 

I say Hi.
You turn smile and say Hey.
You open your mind to me.
I drink it deep.
We catch a glimpse of something bright.
We take a walk.
  We eat
  We dance
  We talk.
You take my hand.
I say I love you.

 

 

 

 

 

 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

On Wed, Jul 18, 2012 at 12:15 PM, Dr. Lisa Earle wrote:

Thank you  for sharing....these are deep, sensitive, beautiful, sometimes heart breaking words...I think I understand....

 

Did you write all of them in 2010 or a bit  before?  ...so much truth in poetry - what a medium to use innermost emotions....

 

As I told you, I think you have surely a way with words, quite a gift!  Use it and count your blessings!

 

Love you,   MOM

 

 

 

 

 

 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

  On Wed, Jul 18, 2012 at 12:38 PM, Dr. Lisa Earle wrote:

...I also wanted to add,    I am so grateful that you had your work to sustain you during that rough period... 

 

How about some more poetry about your happy present and future? Or is most poetry written in times of need and hope?

 

Also, if you could, please send me a link to some of you blogs you might want to share with me!  Would love to read it... 

 

Love, MOM

 

 

 

 

 

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

On Wed, Jul 18, 2012 at 2:11 PM, Dave R wrote:

That is a good question.  I looked back into the blog to find when I posted those writings.  They are all dated the same day - August, 2010.
These writings were not each composed at any 1 sitting.  They evolved over a few days, weeks, and even months. So the August 2010 date is clearly simply when I posted them to the blog so as to not lose them. 

I believe I wrote them originally back in the mid to late 2008 time frame.

You know, a friend of mine once made an interesting statement regarding meaningful writing and poetry.
He was living in NYC at the time (moved from S.FL where we worked together).  He was dating my friend Zari Sussman.
Eric Chacon.  Really smart and deep thinking kinda guy, I liked him quite a bit.

Well, we were sitting in a coffee shop in the City one evening, just he and I, and chatting about various interesting and deep things, as usual.
He was a techie like me, but has always wanted to be a writer.  Now I don't remember his exact words, but the basic gist of it was this:  He came to NYC to find heart-wrenching life experiences, in the hopes that he would become a better writer. 

Quite a statement.

So I definitely found that being in the middle of pain and anguish was a huge huge huge inspiration to composition.
Happy times not so much.  So, other than these few on the opening of my relationship with Pammie, I've not written anything further that's worthwhile.
So I would conclude that yes, poetry is mostly associated with need and hope. 


My most entertaining blog is this one:
   http://davesrantsravesandthoughts.blogspot.com/

Others include:
   http://daveandpamela.blogspot.com
and
   http://mommavienna.blogspot.com

I think you should have permissions to see all of these. Let me know if you don't.
Love you!
---Dave.
 

Former Hewett School headteacher Walter Roy dies – share your memories

Mark Shields Friday, July 6, 2012
6:10 PM
Share your memories of former Hewett School headteacher Walter Roy, who has died aged 87.
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Tributes have been paid to an inspirational headteacher and trade unionist who believed education did not begin and end in the classroom.

Dr Walter Roy CBE was the first headteacher at the Hewett School, in Norwich, following its formation in 1970, and oversaw the education of thousands of Norwich children before his retirement in 1990.

A committed democrat and defender of teaching, Dr Roy became a prominent voice on educational matters at county and national level. He died in Graz, in his native Austria, on Wednesday at the age of 87.

Rob Anthony, associate headteacher at the Hewett School, said Dr Roy left a legacy to which the school continued to aspire.

“Because he was the first head, he set the standard of the school and the way it works.

“You can still see that now: caring for the children and pushing them all. That was a real strength of his, and he really did work hard for every child.”

Dr Roy arrived in England aged 13, a refugee from the Nazi regime in Austria, and was part of the British Intelligence during the Second World War.

After the war ended, he stayed in England and trained as a teacher, working in Hertfordshire before arriving at Hewett Grammar in September 1969.

The following year he oversaw the merger with Lakenham Boys’ and Lakenham Girls’ schools to form Norwich’s largest school.

He had three children with his first wife, Marjorie, and following her death, married Ariane in 2002. He moved back to Austria in 2007.

Dr Roy was involved in education at regional and national level through his work on the national executive of the National Union of Teachers, Norfolk’s education committee and the East Anglian Examination Board.

His daughter, Kate Russell, said he had interests out of work – when time allowed.

“He was a season-ticket holder at Norwich City, and used to watch them with my brother,” said Mrs Russell, 55. “My parents had a holiday bungalow in Cromer where they spent time. He also loved walking, the Norfolk coast, and had an interest in opera.”

Dr Roy became a CBE in 1976 and published Teaching Under Attack in 1982, highlighting funding cuts in the profession.

A keen traveller, Dr Roy was president and co-founder of the Sonnenberg Association, fostering links between young people of different countries.

Marion Morse, chair of the Hewett governors, called Dr Roy “a great showman”.

“He very much believed in education being more than just passing exams,” she said. “He was a keen supporter of music, sports and arts – and we try to pursue that ethos to this day.”

Terry Cook, a senior Norfolk County Council education officer, said Dr Roy had led the school with distinction, and championed young people and teachers alike. He added: “He will always be remembered with great affection in Norfolk.”

What are your memories of Dr Roy? How will he be remembered? Leave your comments below the article or email mark.shields@archant.co.uk

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Comments
20 comments




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Dr.Lisa

Friday, July 13, 2012

A Farewell to my beloved Cousin, Walter! He was really more than a Cousin; he was more a brother to me, who gave me love, strength, advice, support, when I most needed it in my own turbulent life.

Our families shared the same living quarters because of the situation then in Vienna, our place of birth. In the depression era, there was an unbelievable shortness of homes or apartments, so we doubled up....Although he was 5 years younger than I, we became "buddies" and shared so many activities, playing chess, cards, outings into nearby parks etc. etc. He was always so mature for his age and even as practically a little toddler, he was "fun" to talk to....

He left an imprint on every life he touched...especially as a teacher, for so many young people in his professional life as a headmaster for a huge High school in Norwich! Tremendously enamored of the arts, music, the theater, he went all out to instill in his flock the Love for cultural activities, his Choir, whom he took to other parts of Europe to delight the music lovers with young English voices.

He was basically a quiet, gentle man, who only spoke up, when it really mattered (and very strong and powerfully, then) - I believe, he hated "small talk", except with his beloved English Club, which he initiated, when he returned to his native Austria, after his first wife passed away. He loved LIFE and clung to it till his bitter end - he is now in a better world, a place without pain and suffering, a place, where we will all travel to, sooner or later and then I hope, we will all be able to enjoy again his remarkable presence and be re-united with this so special, unique man, who has left us with a certain emptiness in our daily life .

He truly left his mark in the world, the here and know! And he will live on in our hearts and memories, forever! Good Night, Sweet Prince....and may a host of Angels lay thee to thy rest (Thanks, Shakespeare, for your proper words of Farewell!)

Your Cousin, Sister, Friend, Lisa


===============================
Monika Mörtl-Schuster

Tuesday, July 10, 2012

As a close friend of Walter Roy, who lived in the same village as myself in Austria, I am mourning for a highly respectable, witty and sophisticated man.
Monika Mörtl-Schuster.

 
 
===============================

Karen Aldridge

Thursday, July 12, 2012

Dr. Roy was an extraordinary headmaster. He was always there when you needed him and always around when you hoped he perhaps wouldn't be! God bless.

 
 
 
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bluemum2
Monday, July 9, 2012

So sad to hear this news. He was an inspiration - Kept a distance, and yet his presence always very keenly felt. At this time, 27years ago, I would have been in Austria, on one of several music trips I went on, whilst at Hewett. He was a truly great Head, who had a made the Hewett School one of the best. I will always have great memories of the school, and of Dr Roy. RIP



(I think I may have met this person. I would have been in Austria with Walter and one of his choir groups at around that time. Hmm. Interesting.)

Ingrid & Egon Correspondence

2012/7/5 Dr. Lisa Earle


...sharing....Ingrid und Egon waren Walter's so gute Freunde...



-------Original Message-------
From: Ingrid Schwab
Date: 7/5/2012 1:53:44 PM
To: 'Dr. Lisa Earle'
Subject: AW: Walter

Liebe Lisa, wir sind unendlich traurig , daß Walter nicht mehr ist, aber nach dem sein bester Freund Pessy gestorben ist, ist es mit ihm abwärts gegangen, dann hat er noch seinen Sohn Simon gesehen, der ja erst am Sonntag heimgefahren ist. Monika und ich waren ja alle paar Tage b ei ihm zu Besuch, und es war immer so ein auf und ab, einmal war er super drauf, hat Pläne gemacht und das nächste mal ist er fast abwesend auf der Couch gesessen . Leider haben Monika und ich , ihn am Dienstag versäumt, es gab bei uns ein furchtbares Gewitter mit Hagel und so sind wir erst gegen 6 Uh Abends hinunter gefahren, 10 min. vorher war der Hausarzt da und hat ihm, damit er besser Luft bekommt, eine Morphiumspritze gegeben und so hat er schon geschlafen wie wir gekommen sind, leider! In der Nacht ist er ja dann gestorben. Ich muß sagen, für ihn war es das beste, denn für einen Mann der TAT ! der immer bestimmen konnte und tat was er wollte, war der Rollstuhl schon furchtbar. Ich denke er hat jetzt seinen Frieden. Ich habe mich aber innerlich schon jedesmal wenn ich ihn gesehen habe , verabschiedet, denn man wußte ja nie wie lange es noch geht. Schade ist nur, und das ist meine persönlich Meinung , daß sein Körper jetzt der Wissenschaft übergeben wurde und Ariane zu Hause im Wohn zimmer eine Feier macht. Das hat für mich nichts offizielles , nichts feierliches , aber es kostet dafür auch nichts.

Ja Walter fehlt uns allen , aber ich hoffe , daß , wo immer er jetzt ist, es besser hat.

Liebe Grüße,
Ingrid



-------Original Message-------
Gesendet: Donnerstag, 05. Juli 2012 16:47
An: Ingrid Schwab
Betreff: Walter


Liebste, treue Ingrid:

Wir sind natuerlich noch ganz in Schock ueber Walter's Tod. Wenn moeglich, bitte lass uns wissen, wie die letzten Tage mit ihm vorgegangen sind. Wann hast Du ihn zuletzt gesehen (mit ihm gesprochen?) Du und Egon waren doch, glaube ich, seine besten Freunde! Ich hoffe, dass es dir sowie Egon weiter gut geht - ich denke so oft an Euch, ein so wunderbares Paar!

In tiefer Trauer,
Alles Liebe,
Lisa

----------------------------------------------

On Fri, Jul 13, 2012 at 10:32 AM, Dr. Lisa Earle wrote:

Dear Ariane:

I wish I could be with you on Saturday at the gathering to memorialize Walter...If you think it is proper, do read my little eulogy to his friends and give them all, especially his beloved "English Club" people, my love and hugs...

All my Love ,
Lisa

---------------------------------------------
A Farewell to my beloved Cousin, Walter!

He was really more than a Cousin, he was more a brother to me, who gave me love, strength, advice, support, when I most needed it in my own turbulent life..

Our families shared the same living quarters because of the situation then in Vienna, our place of birth. In the depression era, there was an unbelievable shortness of homes or apartments, so we doubled up....Although he was 5 years younger than I, we became "buddies" and shared so many activities, playing chess, cards, outings into nearby parks etc.etc. He was always so mature for his age and even as practically a little toddler, he was "fun" to talk to....

He left an imprint on every life he touched...especially as a teacher, for so many young people in his professional life as a headmaster for a huge High school in Norwich! Tremendously enamored of the arts, music, the theater, he went all out to instill in his flock the Love for cultural activities,his Choir, whom he took to other parts of Europe to delight the music lovers with young English voices.

He was basically a quiet, gentle man, who only spoke up, when it really mattered (and very strong and powerfully, then) - I believe, he hated "small talk", except with his beloved English Club, which he initiated, when he returned to his native Austria, after his first wife passed away.

He loved LIFE and clung to it till his bitter end - he is now in a better world, a place without pain and suffering, a place, where we will all travel to, sooner or later and then I hope, we will all be able to enjoy again his remarkable presence and be re-united with this so special, unique man, who has left us with a certain emptiness in our daily life . He truly left his mark in the world, the here and know!

And he will live on in our hearts and memories, forever!

Good Night, Sweet Prince....and may a host of Angels lay thee to thy rest (Thanks, Shakespeare, for your proper words of Farewell!)

Your Cousin, Sister, Friend, Lisa

Email from Ariane

----------------------------------------------

From: Walter + Ariane Roy
To: Lisa
Date: Jul 13 (3 days ago)

Liebste Lisa

Ja, wer hätte das gedacht, dass du Walter überlebst... Gut so. Walter hat es am Ende geschafft loszulassen. Der Überlebenskampf war so traurig mit anzusehen. Ich habe ihm, denke ich, doch etwas helfen können. Er wollte immer wissen, was nach dem Leben kommt, deshalb konnte er nicht loslassen. Er hatte Angst vor dem Tode. Gut, dass wir immer miteinander sprechen konnten, bis zum Schluß. Er war dann einfach mein . Wir hatten eine gute Zeit während seiner Krankheit und viel Glück mit den zwei Mädchen, Emilie und Simina. In der Nacht als er einschlafen konnte, habe ich ihm gratuliert: , habe ich zu ihm gesagt, gratuliere!> Das hätte er auch zu mir gesagt....Emilie hat dann zwei Kerzen angezündet. Wir mußten ja von vier Uhr in der Früh bis 9 Uhr warten, bis der Leichenwagen kam. Es waren vier liebevolle Männer, die ein feierliches Zeremoniell vor dem Toten und dann wieder vor dem Sarg gemacht haben. Der Wagen fuhr dann ganz langsam weg.

Walter hat bekommen, was er wollte: Er wollte in SEINEM Haus sterben, an Herzversagen und nicht an der Ausbreitung des heimtückischen Krebses. So war es dann auch.

Und nun bin ich in seinem Haus voller Erinnerungen an ihn und unsere Urlaube. Das schmerzt. Da sind die vielen Fotos mit dir und ihm....Alles Vergangenheit.

Zeit zum Trauern bleibt wenig! Wenn ein so bedeutender Mann stirbt, löst das ein aus: Ein Strom von E-Mails von Leuten in England, die alle mit und unter ihm gearbeitet haben und in lobenden Worten und tiefer Bewunderung über ihn und seinen wichtigen Einfluß berichten. Nebenbei laufen die Formalitäten mit Banken, Behörden etc., die einem den letzten Nerv nehmen. Damit muß ich wohl noch über viele Monate auskommen müssen. Dann sehne ich mich kurz zurück an den bescheidenen Lebensstil meiner Eltern, wo keine Testamente nötig waren, wo ein sparsamer Vater immer für genügend Geld sorgte. Es gab weder Einfamilienhaus noch Auto, noch Fernsehen...


Liebste Lisa, danke für deinen so gut gelungenen Text, den ich morgen sicher vorlesen werde. Leider sind viele Freude der Englischgruppe auf Urlaub. So werden wir in einer kleinen Gruppe von Walter Abschied nehmen. Sicher schicke ich dir dann einige Bilder.


Jetzt muß ich mich halt an dich und deine liebe Familie klammern um noch mit euch und durch euch Walters Seele weiter und besser zu spüren.

Großen Dank für eure Unterstützung, eure Warnherzigkeit, die mir so viel Trost spendet.

In Liebe
Ariane mit Horst und Florian (Beide sind eine große Stütze und helfen mit ihrem Optimismus für die Zukunft.)

Russian war with China

Brilliantly funny :)).

On Sat, Jun 2, 2012 at 10:54 AM, Dr. Lisa Earle wrote: >

The commanding officer at the Russian military academy (the equivalent of a 4-star general in the U.S. ) gave a lecture on Potential Problems and Military Strategy. At the end of the lecture, he asked if there were any questions. An officer stood up and asked, "Will there be a third world war? And, will Russia take part in it?" The general answered both questions in the affirmative. Another officer asked, "Who will be the enemy?" The general replied, "All indications point to China ." Everyone in the audience was shocked. A third officer remarked, "General, we are a nation of only 350 million, compared to the 1.5 billion Chinese. Can we win at all, or even survive?" The general answered, "Just think about this for a moment: In modern warfare, it is not the quantity of soldiers that matters, but the quality of an army's capabilities. For example, in the Middle East we have had a few wars recently where 5 million Jews fought against 150 million Arabs, and Israel was always victorious." After a small pause, yet another officer - from the back of the auditorium asked, "Do we have enough Jews?"

The Family Patriarch Passes

-------Original Message-------
From: Walter & Ariane Roy
Date: 7/3/2012 11:51:44 PM
To: Lisa Earle; Julie Ruden
Subject: Walter

Dear Lisa and Julie

Tonight Walter died at 4 o'clock in the mornig. He is redeemed.

Love Ariane and boys



-------Original Message-------
Dearest Ariane and boys:

Thanks for letting us know...Somehow, we thought he could beat his troubles once more, he was so strong and willful with his wonderful mind and loved life!.. He now is in a better world, where we all will meet someday...

Sadly, lovingly, Lisa


-------Original Message-------
From: Lenny Ruden
Date: 7/4/2012 8:54:12 AM
To: Dr. Lisa Earle
Subject: Re: Walter

I'm so sorry he was a very special person and will be missed greatly... please send me arianes email and I will respond

Sent from my iPad




-------Original Message-------
From: Julie Ruden
Sent: Wednesday, July 04, 2012 10:00 AM
To: 'Walter & Ariane Roy'
Subject: RE: Walter


Dearest Ariane, Horst & Flori,


SUCK OUT LOUD!!!! SOoooo SORRY!!!

Last night in Lake Placid, FL we had fireworks - the finally (biggest display) was just before 10PM and I was thinking of Walter and that we would call you’all this morning..

It is America’s independence Day today NOT yesterday - but we had fireworks while Sir Uncle Walter Roy was passing over... Well done he’d say and he will always be celebrated on our July 4th with fireworks!!!

Where will Walter be buried? I understand you are very busy, please take care of each other and be in touch soon! Let us know what you are doing.

Ariane - you & the boys are wonderful and have much life & love ahead of you!!! Think about coming to America when you are able to start to think again J I couldn’t see my keyboard to type an hour ago because of the tears - it will take awhile before your head clears.

You should not make changes for 1 year if possible... You will be in the best frame of mind and soul after 1 year... this is the best advice I can give you!

Much Love & Stay in touch

Julie








-----Original Message-----
From: Walter & Ariane Roy
Sent: Thursday, July 05, 2012 7:59 AM
To: Julie Ruden
Cc: Lisa Earle
Subject: Re: Walter

Dearest Julie

Thank you for your helpful words. A wonderful coincidence indeed, the independence Day! Walter went away in peace with a deep satisfaction. He was affraid of death, wanted so much to know what comes after life. But after the death of his best friend John Passey he lost the wish to live. He didn't talk very much with us the last few days. The afternoon before his death he held my hand a said: I am ready now.. 8 hours later he did his last breath which was loud enough to wake up the care. She was in panic and woke me up. I saw then only Walters body, his sole had already gone.

I am so glad that the end of Walter's life was according to the wish of both of us.

Coming to America some time is in my dreams but it will be a question of money. You must know Walter and I have no money left ( the cost of his care and all medical details by now is up to 5000 €!!! = 6300 USD)and I have to live with half of Walter's pension now. In 2015 I'll get a little pension from Switzerland. Hope my finacial situation will be more relaxed by then. We will see if I can hold the house. Worst case: selling the house!

Walters body is now in the University of Graz for science (I will do the same with mine.) So there will be neither burial nor cremation. We will have a little ceremony in our house on the 14th July with all our closest friends. This was our wish. Kate, Walter's daughter, will organise a big Memorial service in Norwich at Walter's Hewettschool in October. So everybody who wants to say good by can do it then.

Hug you and Lisa... (My keyboard is wet too)

Love Ariane and boys









-----Original Message-----
From: Dr. Lisa Earle
To: Debbie Weiss; Kenneth W. Aschheim
Sent: Wed, Jul 4, 2012 7:54 am
Subject: Fw: Walter

To let you know: Forwarding sad news....He was 87....He was the first cousin of your Grandma, Roszi...

Hope all is well with you!
Love, Lisa







-------Original Message-------
From: Debbie(Aschheim) Weiss
Date: 7/4/2012 3:38:50 PM
To: Dr. Lisa
Cc: Rachel Weiss
Subject: Re: Walter

Dearest Lisa and Julie:

I am sorry for the loss of Walter, and for your loss. He was a very devoted cousin to you. Although I did not know him well, it was nice meeting him at Paul Dutch's wedding, which I attended in Nottingham (and I have very fond memories of the trip). He was a very kind man and I guess his family is correct --- he is redeemed.

How are you doing? I hope you are feeling well.

We are doing very well. Racheli is spending the summer in Israel. She will tour for 5 weeks. She spend last week with David and got to do a lot of babysitting for Eitan (now 9 months old!) She had a blast. She will then spend 2 weeks after the trip with her friends and also with David. She is very independent, and felt/feels very comfortable bumming around on her own.

Daniel is hanging around taking a summer school course and will help a sick lawyer friend in July and August. He will dorm at Brooklyn College next year.

Robert and I are traveling to Italy to celebrate our 30th Anniversary and Robert's 55th Birthday.

Keep well and keep in touch.

Love, Debbie and Robert







-------Original Message-------
From: Dave Ruden
Date: 7/5/2012 3:38:50 PM
To: Debbie(Aschheim) Weiss

>...Racheli is spending the summer in Israel. She will tour for 5 weeks. She spend last week with David and got to do a lot of babysitting for Eitan (now 9 months old!) She had a blast. She will then spend 2 weeks after the trip with her friends and also with David. She is very independent, and felt/feels very comfortable bumming around on her own.

She reminds me of her mother :).
Nice to hear things are well for you all.
Happy Anniversary to you both and happy birthday to Robert!
Love,
---Dave & Pam.







-------Original Message-------
Dear Ariane, Horst, and Florian,
I am so sad to hear about Walter's passing. It has been difficult to bring myself to find the right words to say. Walter was an inspiration to me in ways I do not believe he ever knew. Visits on occasion as children with our mother created an appreciation of culture and experiential differences that has nested deep inside and burns strongly in me each day.

Walter was a quiet man, but with a keen mind, and strong well reasoned opinions and beliefs which when appropriate, he would expose and discuss. I think my early childhood visits with him imprinted much of this in me. To observe, think, make opinions and conclusions on ones own terms, without a blind following of the mob.

And at the same time, Walter was a man who greatly loved the passions and energies of life. I did not realize this about him until much later. He was not afraid to engage life. In so many ways, we were kindred spirits in this, as I too love the energies and passions of life, and love those who have the freedom of spirit to live them. Although where Walter seemed to know how to engage this passion by instinct, it has been something I have had to learn. And here too Walter was inspiring to me. As I came to know him more fully, I learned a quiet personality does not mean disengagement from life's energies. He so loved Julie and my mother because they have strong life-energies. He liked my ex-wife because she too was full of intense life energy (although I think he could see the problems that caused her). I believe he saw also this wonderful passion for life in my wonderful new wife, Pammie, and appreciated the sensibility she brings with it was finally the right mix for me.

And I am certain that it is your own ebullience and your love of the experience of life that drew him to you. You are the kind of spirit he and I love to have near us, love to draw strength and inspiration from, love to share life with. I hope you are happy in knowing that you have enriched his life. I know that he certainly has done so for me.


All our love and sympathies, and looking forward to visiting with you and the boys someday soon - on this continent or yours.
---Dave and Pam.