Goodbye, Sarah...

Hello again, dear friends---

It has been a very amazing, pivotal, poetic and thought provoking time in the last 14 days since I've returned from Vietnam. It has left me speechless at the inexorable cycle of life. Since I've returned, I was in the presence of my best friend's delivering her beautiful son on the 10th; being surrounded in the warm company of my friends for my birthday (on the 17th/18th)---the 'family' of my adult life; something I've been yearning for ever since I was little.

I am deeply saddened to inform the passing of a precious member of this family. Sarah Pack passed away yesterday morning---so now is a time where we are all trying to emotionally re-orient ourselves and come together and give support and reflect on Sarah's many qualities. Her biggest one was her firmly planted inner strength. Her journey covered a map full of numerous challenges---but she chose to be a happy person and pursue lofty goals (and achieving them). Another one was her praise of other people choosing to see through tough issues and rising to the challenge. She studiously recorded her thoughts, feelings and passion on to her blog. Ironically, her last entry (Nov. 7th) was a big welcome back for my return from Vietnam. Thank you Sarah for your inspiration, moral support and drive. You were one of the championing forces that kept me going on my journey in Vietnam---and I will continue to do so in honor of you. Again, thank you....

On a lighter note---Thanksgiving is coming around, and I have been blessed with some free time that I will devote to entering pictures of my Vietnam trek. I have been flattered by the increasing chorus of friends and family who are anxious to see my next entries and photos. Thank you. Please let your Thanksgiving be purposeful, safe and healing to your soul.