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Thanks Given for a Great Spirit Date: Tues, 26 Nov 1996 HI folks, Lee Reid, minister of the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Englewood NJ, was struck and killed by a car last Weds night, although I didn't learn about it until Sunday. Lee, during her time here, hosted a magnificent spirit, fiercely dedicated to justice the way some are wedded to righteousness. Her soul seems now to fit the "too good for this world" category, she'd taught us all she could and had to move on... The first time I saw her, she entered our church as a guest "preacher" on a date when I was doing a jazz service. The moment of our meeting was mutually transforming, I by her thoughts, she by the voice of my drums. I realized only later that I'd seen her spiritual manifestation before seeing her physical one...she was radiant and timeless. The power of her words were only an echo to her living, challenging people to live multicultural acceptance, not merely parrot nice sounds from the comfort of privilege. Over a period of 7 years, she turned around the Englewood fellowship to the point where 20 black families joined with those of the original white congregation who didn't leave when Lee walked the talk, and opened both heart and home to all (some did leave). When Dizzy died, and I wondered how I could make it through his memorial, Lee made sure I didn't have to do it alone, and went to Harlem with me, spent the day with me, helped me heal. Now those of us who were fortunate enough to have touched lives with Lee are left to continue her work. Insofar as our work, gentle reader, depends upon pursuit of justice and equity, we are on a parallel path to that Lee traveled. As I am thankful for having known by example the possibilities of living such a life, so too am I deeply thankful to be walking and working this path with each of you. We light the way for one another, in turn, as needed. This Sunday I wrote the second piece of music I've composed in 4 years (the last one was for Diz), entitled Radiant Lee. Seems I can only write music when someone dies, so I hope I either stop writing, or find a less traumatic source of inspiration ;-> But I hope that the expression of fellowship of our deepest humanity doesn't similarly have to wait for eulogizing...we ought to be celebrating the gifts we knowingly (or unknowingly) bestow on each other far more often. Coming round the other side of grieving, the joy of living to the limit of possibilities seems to me to be a fitting response to Lee's lessons. Since we've collectively decided more or less to pursue our dreams regardless of outside validation by grants or awards, I have been daily amazed by the talent, tenacity and insight of you who are reading these words. It is such an incredible blessing to know a group of spirits such as we collectively form, a miracle we ought never take for granted. I wish you all (and your families) peace, health and joy, along the way.... Echoes from a Great Soul Date: Weds, 18 Dec 1996 Hi folks, A to do list for December This holiday season, mend a quarrel. Happy Holidays, |
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