Life, and death...

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“For life and death are one, even as the river and the sea are one”

- Kahlil Gibran
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Walter Cronkite Dies

So long Uncle Walter, thanks for the memories... I was there pretty much the whole way. Of course journalism has changed and few it seems are those in mainstream media today who are real journalists.

Of course if you want a news desk that talks, a talking head that makes sense, I'd recommend the Daily Show's Jon Stewart. He's funny, topical, accurate, has great guests... and probably next in line for the title of "America's most trusted man." But that may just be me...
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One of my problems in posting was that my niece has just lost a baby. His birth and death are the same day. The family gathered at my sister's house for a memorial service last weekend. It was not a raucous affair but it was good seeing the family get together. My siblings and I get older. Our kids are adults (or soon-to-be adults) and there are more little ones than there were a few years ago.

I may post the photos from that service but not today. I've already loaded the ones below and I need to select the ones I want to post here. Here is Kyler's obit:

Kyler Jay Frichette

Born in Seattle, Washington on Jul. 27, 2009
Departed on Jul. 27, 2009 and resided in Elma, WA.

Kyler Jay Frichette of Elma, died Monday, July 27, 2009 at Swedish Medical Center, Seattle. Kyler is survived by his parents JD and Kirsten Frichette of Elma. He is also survived by his brother and sister, Carter & Keira Frichette of Elma and grandparents, Peggy Frichette and Lori & Curt Rupe.

He is preceded in death by his grandfather, Gary Frichette and great-grandparents, Sig & Vivian Erickson, Mary & Floyd Rupe and George Novotny. According to the family “Kyler Jay- the son we lost too soon, but will forever be in our hearts”.

The family suggests in lieu of flowers, memorial donations be made to the March of Dimes. A private celebration of Kyler’s life will be held 2PM Saturday, August 8, 2009 in Elma.

And I was asked to write a poem for my unseen and unmet nephew. Here is that poem:

Kyler Jay Frichette


aaah... little one

spark of life,

spark of love,

spark of hope...

dimmed so soon
so much too soon
but no regrets
please know my tiny nephew
all is love

a mother
a father...
family all around
who will miss you
weighted not by what wasn’t
but buoyed by loving,
sharing grief
and us all wishing you well

in peace please go
and greet
those gone before
who know our love
and will bless you just the same

In life... a glow

in the void?

who’s to know
but here...
... your light remains
the essential spark
of light
come anew in dark

Blessed babe
down the road
may we all meet you
with a smile...
a hug...
and the quiet recognition
that makes us say

“aaah...”
little one
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And here's my current offering of photos. Yep, the guy on the hay bale is me (my daughter took the photo).



















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“Birth and death are not two different states, but they are different aspects of the same state. There is as little reason to deplore the one as there is to be pleased over the other.”

- Mahatma Gandhi

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