Log:
I don’t think I could have had a more perfect final Sunday in Arcata. I started my day a smidge later than I’d have liked to and quickly biked off to the UU. The service was about death. What a heavy topic. It was emotionally intense as a woman confessed to a room full of people that she was tired of fighting her health and was ready to accept the fact that she would die. She was 84 years old, this wasn’t some mid-life crisis reaffirmation in comfort with death, but someone realistically close to it confronting it with bravery. The questions of the service were:
-How does your death shape your life?
-How would you like to be remembered?
-How are you working today on your legacy?
-How do you envision your memorial service?
-What symbols do you want to have there?
Answers were mostly from elders (appropriately so), and ranged from funny jokes to concentrated emotion. Humor is one way to approach death. It seemed that the general consensus was that folks weren’t hoping to be remembered as individuals, but rather as a part of some greater humanity. The responses to the memorial service question included the wise observation that memorials are for those left, and should be what they need, rather than what the deceased might have dreamed of as well as the wish that memorial services all be huge celebrations. I was reminded of Tuesdays with Morrie when someone mentioned how important it is to tell people how much you love them while they are alive. The service reminded me of my semi-recent encounter with the death of a loved one, my grampy. It was good to hear the perspectives of older folks, their comfort and acceptance of death reminded me very much of my grampy’s last night spent holding me and Missy’s hands. Family bonds are powerful things, much more powerful than the constraints between life and that which lies beyond. The reminder of life’s fragility elated me to an awe-full state of feeling alive. It was complimented by a yummy lunch and energizing conversation with a friend, Chris, in the “Garcia booth” at Luzmila’s. How I do appreciate the people who have shared their stories in one way or another! I’ve made so many connections that are fully present and real.
As if this wasn’t enough, I topped off my Sunday with possibly my final (for this CA visit anyway) river trip. Sean and I went to Jacque’s farm to enjoy his river access. Sigh. The treat of the day was floating downstream holding a rock, which made it possible to stay under water longer. We must have seen at least three schools of fish. After a lazy afternoon of floating downstream, getting out, walking upstream and repeating, we went back to Jacque’s farm for a delicious eclectic potluck and good company. I enjoyed teasing the little ones and perpetually eating. Once it was dark, a white sheet was hung from the rain gutters and their front yard became a movie theater. Under the stars, several of which were shooting, we watched documentaries about rivers in the area. Several of the films dealt with the conflict between Native Americans and agriculturist battling for water rights. We also showed “Green Eye for the Common Gal” and the audience was roaring with laughter. When it became sufficiently late, Sean and I decided the time had come to leave this place of wonderful food and entertainment for the sleepy Arcata. Many stories later, I was dropped off at CCAT and ready for a good night’s sleep…. And I think to myself what a wonderful world ;)

Questions:
-It’s so easy to be eco-conscious in Arcata. The question remains in my mind, is it better to flock to these amazing places or work to make the rest of the world more like this?
-What will become of these river fights?
-How has death shaped your life (I’m really interested in conversation here)?

Feelings:
Again I felt so overwhelmed by the intense beauty of this place! Remind me why I’m leaving…