It has been a constant stream of phone calls, door knocks and emails. We were more at peace yesterday and I only teared up when reading your comments and having to tell more of Greg's friends - really his best friends - about his death. Our daughter, Leia went to her dance class, Kaela went to a movie with her friends and I went to a committee meeting. These meeting are always fun. The people are funny, all tease each other and I was able to laugh and not be the wife of the dead guy. When I needed to leave, I asked my friend to come into the lobby. I told him about Greg and he already knew. A woman at the meeting works at the hospital and recognized him. I introduced them once last September. Greg really makes an impression. I then came home to a house full of members. They let me talk a bit and we chanted together. Later another couple came by and we talked and chanted. And as an added bonus - food. We have had food every night.
I had to tell Greg's best friends about him yesterday. He had three partners in the bujinkan - ninjas. One was Kaela's first teacher 11 years ago. One Greg actually referred to as his partner. The other was his current best training buddy. I talked to all of them yesterday and Leia had to tell 2 other students. Man this sucks. These guys loved Greg. He was the old guy of the bunch. Every time we get together I have to hear the stories of their trips to Japan. That part of yesterday sucked.
I am planning to have a memorial at the Silicon Valley CC in Santa Clara, CA on Sunday, June 22 (my grandfather's birthday.) The SVCC is literally right behind the San Jose airport. A five minute cab ride. I have not set a time so if you plan to come, tell me what works better 11am or 1pm. I will be asking some of you to speak. If you want to do something for Greg's memorial, please let me know. If you want to do something specific, I'll need to put it on the schedule. Even though this will be an SGI memorial, I'm planning it and will be playing the Greg role. Don't even mess with me, I'm doing it my way - and all of you are invited to participate. If you can't make this one,I think I will have another non-denominational (casual) gathering in Salinas in a few weeks.
As we start going through the pictures, I'll post some on Greg's blog. No that photo on his blog is not really him. I think our association with FWP is in peril - we're going to be outed now. This should be fun.
Thank you for your words. Even if you have no words, I appreciate them.
Nancy
Posted by nt at June 13, 2008 07:23 AMNancy, we never met you or Greg but my heart goes out to you. It sounds like you have many people supporting you and your kids. Just so you know you have two more, if you need to talk to someone else, please email us and we will give you our number.
Dave and Rhonda Halverson
Posted by: Dave Halverson at June 21, 2008 12:16 PMHi Nancy,
Words can't say. All I can say to you is thank you for supporting Greg on his trips to the heart of budo here in Japan. Greg has been an awesome budoka, great counsellor and friend. At the Tokyo Budokan on Friday, people were talking about him and remembering him. He has left an indellible impression on many.
You and your daughters are in my thoughts and prayers.
Elizabeth in Kashiwa City, Japan
Posted by: erizabesu/Elizabeth at June 15, 2008 06:28 PMI would love to see some photos when you can. I feel like I only knew Greg through his writing.
I hope I can make it up there for the memorial, and will do my best. At any event, I am thinking of you and your daughters every day.
Hang in there, Nancy.
Your online friend, Byrd Ehlmann in LA
Posted by: Byrd in LA at June 13, 2008 02:39 PMI keep on thinking about Greg's exploits with Burning Man and all the EMT and first aid work he did with races and concerts. Never saw him in this role but I know his efforts doing these things touched many.
Nancy, ever since Josh (my 11 yo son) and I visited you all in Salinas 2 years ago, ALL he would ever talk about is becoming a Ninja and Ninjitsu. Greg had a positive and powerful effect on Josh. Major guy bonding going on.
Josh has been hospitalized since June 3rd. Going home on Monday June 16th. I'm on my way to see Josh in Sacramento (where he is hospitalized 88 miles from our home in Petaluma).
I don't yet have the heart to tell him that his hero died in the Bay. Two summers ago his favorite male psychiatrist died under similar circumstances while diving in the Caribbean.
So I am not sure if we will physicially be there in San Jose (Josh not super stable mental health wise right now). But we will think of something special to do.
You and the girls on constantly on my mind and in my heart. I am especially close to Jonetta (we talk Mon-Fri at 6 am-- have been doing this for almost three months). Glad she visited you all yesterday.
Hugs and kisses,
Mimi