Monday, August 23, 2021
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I have a happy teenage memory of visiting Chris and Mel at Lake George where we hung out on the house roof and jumped off into the water to swim. Around Chris I remember feeling appreciated like a whole person, not the way so many adults treat kids’ experiences and input as less valid than that of adults. Although my time getting to know Chris was limited to a few events during my childhood, I remember his big smile and loving spirit. Hopefully Chris’s spirit lives on in another realm and all who are left to grieve can eventually find peace with his passing, and reunite with him someday. Sending love to Mel, Poppy Frank, Barry, Kathy, and everyone else who I imagine is most deeply hurt by this loss. I haven’t seen some of you in years but I still love you and am grateful that you are my family. I’m very sad I missed my chance to see Chris again, which tells me it’s time to reconnect with distant family because we all have limited time together. Here’s a classic poem (with disputed authorship) that reminds how the spirits of Chris and others lost will visit us and continue their journeys beyond our understanding. Love you all - Erin Gloeckner (for reference: first daughter of Charlie & Kirsten Gloeckner; first grandchild of Frank & Barbara Gloeckner)
Do not stand
By my grave, and weep.
I am not there,
I do not sleep—
I am the thousand winds that blow
I am the diamond glints in snow
I am the sunlight on ripened grain,
I am the gentle, autumn rain.
As you awake with morning’s hush,
I am the swift, up-flinging rush
Of quiet birds in circling flight,
I am the day transcending night.
Do not stand
By my grave, and cry—
I am not there,
I did not die.
