We found our blogging friend Jim Otterstrom's obituary in the local Big Bear newspaper. From the sound of it, he wrote it himself. Here is an excerpt."I do my best to make a full-time career of Earth/Life/Love worship. Like everyone I find sorrow and suffering amidst the joy of being human, yet, with the awareness that loss and transience measure our days, I live a charmed life treasuring the beauty in rare & fleeting moments – and wishing you good fortune in your moments – I propose a toast!
So here's to a human future! A world of symbiotic pluralism, where regardless of gender, race, species, or elemental content, all matter of evolutionary creation is perceived as sacred and sentient, valued for it's intrinsic worth as part of our living body, planet Earth. A time beyond the cultural homogenization of Global Imperialism, beyond the all-consuming Western model of rampant cancer-like growth. Where woman, by her native strength, generosity, and beauty, wields the power inherent to the role of mother, nurturer, lover – and where man aids community while tempering his bravado with humility, respect, and awareness. To heavenly bodies, spherical harmony, seasons, cycles, life, death, and renewal. And here's to today, another awe-inspiring moment of magic on Earth of the Milky Way. Cheers!"
Jim's memorial was last Sunday. Cheers and a sad farewell to our friend of the heart Jim.
Cheers and farewell, Jim. Cheers and be well, Roger and Robin!
ReplyDeletethanks for sharing that, robin. your photo is absolutely stunning! hang on, roger...it won't be long now! just keep dreaming of spring and that veggie garden!
ReplyDeleteOh I send such love and so many good wishes to you both.
ReplyDeleteHugs,
YT
When I see your photos of the California sky, I think of clean wind blowing hundred of miles across the cool pacific and pushing up across the foothills to flow through Roger's hair with life and health as he watches the sun set on many more peaceful days.
ReplyDeleteEnjoying and celebrating your countdown!
ReplyDeleteWhat a fabulous photo. I love what your friend wrote in his obit.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful sky shot, robin. I'm so glad that there are just a few days left of chemo. Somehow, it seems fitting that it will be over just in time for spring.
ReplyDeleteAmazing bit of writing from Jim. Sorry, again, to hear of his passing. The rest of us need to carry on in his spirit.
ReplyDeleteWho would have thought that the internet could help us connect in this way?
ReplyDeleteBeautifully done Jim and the perfect poem for a life well lived. My inspiration for the not too distant future. peace, m
ReplyDeleteReading that made my neck hair move. Simply awesome.
ReplyDeleteRIP JIm.
"To heavenly bodies, spherical harmony, seasons, cycles, life, death, and renewal."
ReplyDeleteJim's lived, he's died, and now he is renewing himself in that stunning sky.
Beautiful and moving. Thank you for posting his words.
Cheers indeed for Jim. And for all he left behind.
ReplyDelete