It has now been 26 years without the wonderful presence of my sister. She was a psychologist and was killed by a patient in a shooting at her place of work in 1992. And even though her loss still is a well of deep grief, I want to celebrate the 31 years she was here.
I want to celebrate her deep commitment to women’s rights, the peace movement and nonviolence, the seriousness with which she undertook her professional life and work in a community mental health clinic. The absolute joy she took in being a mother. The unconditional love and friendship she gave to her siblings. Her passion for singing, even though she did it badly. Her graceful swimming, her goofy dancing, her skillful baking. The wonderful, passionate, funny, stubborn, loving, righteous, spirited human being that was Wendy. Her example still motivates me, and much of what I do, and who I am, is inspired by her. Her memory is a blessing, and for that I am grateful.