Initially it was an empty feeling when I went to Peppi’s house, only to find your body had let go and the room was empty, Edi.  But a warm peace was left behind.  That peace that was always there, that you shared all through life.

I’m so glad I was able to know Edi through hiking, and for a short time as a piano student.  It was lovely to share music together, though she knew so much, I knew so little.  What was that about fifths again?  Or was it sevenths?

Likewise for names of the plants on the hiking trail - you knew them all, as Paula’s poem so wonderfully put it.  I try, and forget so quickly.  We will all miss Edi on our Monday hikes!  

And I will miss Edi as a very special friend.

This morning, the Monday Morning Milers hiked the Chihuahua Pines trail on Mount Lemmon in honor of Edi. It is a beautiful trail that Edi introduced us to, and also the last place that she hiked with us. I shared this poem, which I wrote for Edi:

For Edi

9-23-24

The flowers never knew

your name

but you knew all of theirs

stopping on our weekly walks

to single each one out

and say its name,

introducing me to them

season after season,

though my memory

failed me time after time.

Edi, I don’t know what was

more astounding--

your firm grasp

of botanical names

or the sense of joy

you brought

upon finding each one,

such peace and joy

it filled your entire being

and radiated beyond--

and stayed with me

long after our hikes

were through.

Now the earth no longer

hears your voice

or feels your footsteps

on the trail.

Now I am left to forever chase

the echo of your spirit.

And all those flowers,

though nameless to me,

will whisper your name

every time I pass by.

--Paula Brown

Dearest Aunt Edi, 

We love you and are blessed to have spent time with you. Our spiritual journey in Eckankar is an eternal, divine connection with you and Uncle Roy that we cherish. We received a golden gift with our CA visit in 1990 & a dream with an Eck Master.

Your voice and your beautiful eyes bring love to all. Your gentle ways reveals the Mahanta's presence. You are an example of Be the HU- a love song to God. You are the Light and Sound in action. Your journey continues to heart of God.

Love you always,                         Janine & Bob Moore 🎶✨️🩵 HUuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu💛 

P. S. Your warm memorial service reflected the stories of love you shared with everyone and thank you to your family & friends. 

My Dear sister in law Edi, you were a beautiful gift to our family. We will cherish our memories of you forever. Edi you touched our lives with unforgettable kindness, advice and so much love. I will miss you dearly.  Rest in Peace Edi

I will always have one regret, and it is not that I could possibly have been there the day before, and talk to her while she was conscious. While I would have welcomed that,  my regret has less to do with what I would have done "for me" than what I wished I had done for her. 

Edi and I seldom discussed mutual family members in our long conversations over the years, other than updating their state of health of course.  Our conversations were always about feelings, ideas, music, hiking, mutual support and all-things-Life. 

Her deep Faith in Eckancar was met by my settled and equally unshakeable agnosticism/lack of all faith. But, she and I always met half way, mutually respectful and accepting of each other, and that was beautiful. And helpful. In addition to often gifting me her CDs of her amazing piano playing, she comforted me many times by chanting the sacred "HU". It was moving, it was Love. 

What I wanted to do while she was transitioning - still moving her fingers as she likely was playing the piano almost to the end - was this:  I wanted to chant "HU" back to her, as she could no longer do that  herself.

I should have done that for her, but I did not.  I was shy and concerned about being perceived as inappropriate. I regret that a lot.

I deeply regret that Edi! But I know now, that you knew, and  understood. 

Mom, you will be missed, but your legacy of family, music and hiking will live on. So thankful for all of the wonderful memories that I will continue to cherish in the coming years. Love you mom,

Kim