Dearest Simone,
So sad that I’m not going to be able to celebrate with you on your birthday. You’ve been on my mind and in my heart these past few days as I reflect on forty years – wow yes 40 years of friendship.
So many memories – dancing with to the Street Band or to Grayson Street way back when in Berkeley days and even back then it seems I recall having deep philosophical conversations about the meaning of life, poetry, art, dance and theater.
And that conversation has continued over the years – during our time in New York City – first as struggling artistes and then as committed students. Later I recall how much your love and support meant to me when I would come west to visit you and my mother.
When I close my eyes and put my hand on my heart I see us at the beach on Cape Cod me with seaweed in my hair – then my mind moves to the Life Cafe in the East Village listening to poets – then we are hiking the fire trail in Berkeley and paying homage to our favorite tree and then you are a mother and sweet precious Sofia arrives.
My hand still on my heart I feel this deep love for all the beauty you have brought into the world what a gift you have been in my life not just for me but also for others. I love your passion and your commitment to justice.
I love laughing with you and knowing that whatever I’m going through you will be there with a listening ear and an open heart.
I wish I could be there in the circle of friends celebrating all the wonders of you!
One of my favorite stories is one you shared with me about your youth how you went hiking in Yosemite and insisted on wearing ballet slippers rather than hiking boots. And that’s how I see you – the dancer on the trail of life with a heartfelt commitment to making the world a better more fair place especially for those whose life circumstances have placed then at a disadvantage.
I love you,
Cynthia
