The Passing of a Knight...
Dear Friends and Colleagues,
Dear Friends and Colleagues,
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Our dear Else, who passed through death's portal as nobly as she walked upon the earth, began her journey to her heavenly home on Sunday afternoon, June 30th. Near her were many loved ones, yet the love and good wishes from those afar were also to be felt. The British Isles and America, and the many whom she has guided in these lands, were as near to her as they were in life. Kris Ritz and I came to support her in her passage. A young teacher whom Else had mentored in California (sound familiar? It does to me!) happened to come to visit Else in the midst of her transition. She, whose name is Shannon O'Laughlin, came after visiting family in Ireland. How very fitting for our Celtic-souled Else! I write this as I participate in Else's vigil, and somehow, I feel we three carry the gratitude and love from the worldwide Waldorf movement with us.
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A Knight painting by Rembrandt, said to be Christian Rosenkreuz, hangs by Else's bed. Else herself lies as a peaceful, strong and dedicated knight whose life has been in the service of the developing human being. I sense she asks of us to support, challenge and guide each other so that we may continue her striving toward the healthy unfolding of the truly Human within each of us. With warm regards, Kimberly Dorn
How it happened
Posted here on June 26, 2013:
After a mild aneurism suffered in early June of this year, Else was at a rehabilitation center near her home when, on Sunday June 23, she had a much more serious stroke. She is currently hospitalized, in serious condition, surrounded by loved ones. Positive thoughts and prayers of support can only help... Be well Else!
Update of June 27, 2013:
For the past few days, being hardly responsive, Else was connected to a number of tubes for oxygen, medication, nourishment, etc. Being one to plan ahead, Else had written specific instructions to her doctors that should a situation like this occur, she did not wish to be kept on life-support systems. Given her condition (including significant bleeding in the brain), she is now no longer linked to this life-support equipment; her doctors expect her to pass-on within the very next few days: Another journey about to begin for our good friend and mentor...
Update of June 29, 2013:
As Else's physical condition continues to degenerate, arrangements are being made for her body's return to her home in Eindhoven. Her body will rest there for the traditional three-day wake before cremation according to her wishes. Doctors do not expect her to stay with us much longer. Our thoughts are with you Else...
Update of June 30, 2013:
Word has just been received that Else crossed the threshold today, Sunday, at approximately 7:45AM, California-time.
More details will follow, as they become available. Thank you for sending thoughts that will help Else on her way.
A Blog* has been started here for friends and colleagues to share memories and wishes.
*Contributions are still welcome; please take a moment to share a personal experience here with Else.
Update of July 1, 2013:
Else's body is at home again for the traditional wake period.
"She looks at peace, as if resting; she is beautiful," says an close friend who is present.
After a mild aneurism suffered in early June of this year, Else was at a rehabilitation center near her home when, on Sunday June 23, she had a much more serious stroke. She is currently hospitalized, in serious condition, surrounded by loved ones. Positive thoughts and prayers of support can only help... Be well Else!
Update of June 27, 2013:
For the past few days, being hardly responsive, Else was connected to a number of tubes for oxygen, medication, nourishment, etc. Being one to plan ahead, Else had written specific instructions to her doctors that should a situation like this occur, she did not wish to be kept on life-support systems. Given her condition (including significant bleeding in the brain), she is now no longer linked to this life-support equipment; her doctors expect her to pass-on within the very next few days: Another journey about to begin for our good friend and mentor...
Update of June 29, 2013:
As Else's physical condition continues to degenerate, arrangements are being made for her body's return to her home in Eindhoven. Her body will rest there for the traditional three-day wake before cremation according to her wishes. Doctors do not expect her to stay with us much longer. Our thoughts are with you Else...
Update of June 30, 2013:
Word has just been received that Else crossed the threshold today, Sunday, at approximately 7:45AM, California-time.
More details will follow, as they become available. Thank you for sending thoughts that will help Else on her way.
A Blog* has been started here for friends and colleagues to share memories and wishes.
*Contributions are still welcome; please take a moment to share a personal experience here with Else.
Update of July 1, 2013:
Else's body is at home again for the traditional wake period.
"She looks at peace, as if resting; she is beautiful," says an close friend who is present.
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