R.I.P. James O'Donnell

I learned this evening that James O'Donnell died peacefully at home this morning. James, aka Jimmy the O, was a UCLA friend of Bill's before I met Bill and one of the first people I met after meeting Bill. Jimmy was the life of a party, a great host and cook, someone who brought people together. He was one of several librarians who have been important in my life. He was taken way too young by cancer and that is a great sadness. He is survived by his partner Ben.

An acrostic poem I wrote when James turned fifty:

Upon the Occasion of Your Natal Festivity

Jim, how might I, at this mid-century moment, begin to describe, recount,
Affirm the blessing of your friendship? Those fortunate enough to
Meet you, share your table, hear your story, and most simply to
Enjoy your presence over time can all attest to the loving core that
Shines through your laughter, radiates in your embrace, and gifts us all.

Often you have joined with Holy Spirit, bringing souls together in love,
Drawing diversity into relationship, enabling community and communion.
Over the decades you have been steadfast, compassionate, present.
None can adequately praise the gift of you, nor say thanks enough.
Now that we celebrate the gracious act of God, enriching the cosmos-
Enough you say, yet it is true-with a particular configuration of energy, matter,
Love demands we say what we have known. James, your
Life has helped our lives become more whole. For you, we give God thanks.

Rest in peace, Jimmy; into paradise may the angels lead you.

--the BB

Rest in peace, Elizabeth Edwards

Thank you for all you did. Thank you for all you are. Rest in peace and rise in glory.

h/t to Watertiger for the photo

--the BB

May flights of angels sing her to her rest

An update from Susan S.

I just thought you would want to know that Rhoda died yesterday afternoon about 4:30pm PST.
According to Judith it was peaceful and painless.

Please keep them in your prayers.

Et lux perpetua luceat ei.
--the BB

My cousin Laura - RIP

While looking to see if I had photos of my grandparents on my laptop, I came across this photo of my cousin Laura, taken following her sister Jeanne's funeral. I want to remember her like this. May she rest in peace.
--the BB

Billy Carleton Sykes - RIP

I just learned that Uncle Billy, aka Billy C. Sykes, had a massive stroke and died. He is my ex's uncle, and thus mine (you cannot un-adopt me).

The son of Otto C. and Katherine (Kate) P. Sykes, Billy was in "the cattle bidness" in Ballinger, Texas. Earlier in life he and Aunt Mary were raising cattle in the bleaker parts of SE New Mexico. A hard life. Good people.

Many a time we've heard how he flew "over the hump" in Burma during WWII. He was a First Lieutenant.

I was fortunate to visit their home during a family reunion some years ago. The Carnegie Library in Ballinger had just been restored through energetic efforts of the community spearheaded by Aunt Mary.

Billy helped me with an off-the-wall question I needed to resolve in writing my fiction.

I last saw him when we had a family reunion for my father-in-law Jack in August 2007. Aunt Mary and Uncle Billy came out from Ballinger and there were cousins from all over. Most of these folks I had not seen in about 16 years, though I have seen Billy and Mary a few times in between.

Unfortunately, when I was having troubles with my hard drive earlier this year I lost my photos of last August's party. A sadness.

As is the passing of Billy, a true exemplar of an earlier era.

May he rest in peace and rise in glory.
--the BB

Father of Elizabeth Edwards dies

Vincent Joseph Anania, 87, father of Elizabeth Edwards, died yesterday in Chapel Hill, NC of heart failure. (Daily Kos)

Prayers for the repose of Mr. Anania and for his family. Much love to his widow Elizabeth Anania and especially their daughter Elizabeth (whom I admire immensely).
--the BB