h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Hello Michael....I've just popped back in after a short, but very necessary, absence. School (with its attendant papers and exams) is finished for the summer. Yippee! I will be doing an independent study over the summer but it is with one of my favorite teachers and she is not likely to make me write a paper.

Anyway, the point is I caught up on some conversations and just saw your news. Let me say I am very sorry to hear about your mom. If you need anything, anything at all, let me know. I'll be checking in probably daily or every other day during the summer.

Take care of yourself. The universe loves you.

Namaste,
Reika

Thank you Reika! I am very busy teaching this summer, which is good considering my Mom's soon to be transmigration. This has been a tough week for me. I was flooded out, my doctor 'dismissed' me (suspicious of the reason I was visiting--I am a chronic pain patient), my VCR broke (were it not for the many tapes I have, I would buy a DVD), and a decision must be made by/for Mom about hospice. I know she doesn't want to go anywhere but home. I will honor that wish even if I have knock some sense into my siblings. All will go well really. Mom has missed Dad ever since he died 22 years ago. Now she can be with him for eternity.

Isn't it great to have a class in which a research paper >is not< due? I often wish I were a student again (but not for the PhD, too many papers). I miss formal learning. I had many wonderful professors who made learning fun, not a chore. That is the kind of teacher I try to be. Fun, not boring. I was just describing Hinduism in class yesterday and explaining the greeting "namaste". I hope my student took to heart as you have.

Must run for now. I will watch for you. Thanks again!

MJM ACE

Oh my goodness, Michael! It sounds like you have almost more than you can handle! Flooded out? Hope there wasn't too much damage. Tough luck about the VCR, just when you needed a palliative for anxiety and a counterpoint to craziness.

How are you doing?

G'day and Namaste,
Reika

Holding on but Mom died last night, peacefully. Much planning to do now. I am happy it is over for Mom. No more pain and now she is with Dad.

Will keep you informed

MJM Terry

I'm sorry to hear of your loss. May peace also be with you and yours in this sad time. I know it was not unexpected, but grief is never easy. I am here if you need someone to listen. For more private conversation, you may find me at [email protected].

Namaste,
Reika

Thank you Reika! It will be a busy week but if I can get access to a computer I will try to email you. *sigh* After the Memorial and the Funeral Mass there is an 8 hour drive to get Mom next to Dad. Then another 8 hour drive home. Can you imagine, the Chairperson of the History Department is going to procter the exam I am to give Thursday and then give my lecture. That is a great compliment. I cannot really grasp the idea yet that I am an orphan. It is going to be a tough four days. I will need the support of friends like you.

I will travel safely (by auto).

Namaste
Terry

No rush for your reply, I understand. Just know--and remember--that my thoughts are with you. Be careful out on the road.

Namaste,
Reika

A haiku for you:

A single petal
Of the cherry blossom fell:
Mountain silence.