In Loving Memory

The world lost a special man this fall. There were no obituaries in the New York Times or the Washington Post, just a short death notice in the local newspaper, but, nevertheless, a man of stature was taken from us prematurely. While we usually equate importance with power, affluence or fame, Walter had none of these. He was a man who followed the road less taken and in doing so, provided an example to all of us of the important things in life.

Walter was a social worker who moved his family to upstate New York to enjoy a more rural environment. He found an old house with enough land for a small garden. He had a small counseling practice from an office in his house -- changing from his old blue jeans to a suit whenever a client arrived. As soon as the session ended, he was back into his comfy jeans and out in the garden, or chopping wood for his woodstove, or sitting on the back porch gently strumming his guitar.

Walter could have donned a suit every morning and worked in a lucrative counseling practice. He could have run at the frantic pace necessary to purchase the fancy cars and impressive homes which speak of success. He could have served on the proper committees and boards and been a real driving force in our community.

However, Walter knew the meaning of "enoughness". While others were racing through their days, forever striving for the good life, Walter was living the good life. He lived gently on this earth -- helping people in his professional life, providing love and guidance to his family and friends, tending the earth. Walter led a life filled with riches -- his family & friends, his gardens, his music -- this was enough!