(no subject)

[mamculuna]

We're still in shock from the murder of a friend's daughter in New Orleans. My friend is such a bright, sunny person, so full of life, so adventurous, so kind, and her daughter was the same. A great loss: Helen Hill.

Last night at yoga I saw young women who reminded me of her, and wanted to grab and hold them tight. Time moves so fast, so many precious things are lost.

And we talked about non-attachment, and how very hard it is.

Comments

[ngakmafaery.livejournal.com]

...that reminds me of the story of Marpa, Milarepa's great teacher. When his son died, he cried and cried, and a student asked him why he would cry, since he taught that all was illusion, and he said, "Yes, but the loss of a child is the hardest illusion"...

[mamculuna.livejournal.com]

That is beautiful, and perfect. Thank you.

[ponygirl2000.livejournal.com]

That's so awful. The story was on the front page of the Globe & Mail today, I was reading about her work with the Halifax film community. She was obviously an amazingly talented woman.

[mamculuna.livejournal.com]

Talented, joyful, open, compassionate.

[midnightsjane.livejournal.com]

It was on the news today, and I was so saddened by the senselessness of it; Helen sounded like someone who really was trying to make a difference to the people of New Orleans.
My condolences to your friend; words are inadequate to express what I feel about this tragedy.

[mamculuna.livejournal.com]

Thanks, Jane. It's interesting that this appeared to get more media coverage in Canada than in the US--obviously the Halifax connection. Our local paper had a story, and there may have been something on CNN, but it seems to have been discussed more there than here.

And this is another thing for which I blame Bush, at least partly--New Orleans has become anarchic, lawless, a danger to people who live there. It was never a quiet community, but it's so much worse now.

[mamculuna.livejournal.com]

And your beautiful icon! Perfect.

[britzkrieg.livejournal.com]

I am very sorry to hear of this tragic loss. Aside from the personal cost, New Orleans has lost a really vibrant spirit who could have contributed so much more to that city's recovery. My thoughts are with you, your friend, and Helen's family. I wish you all comfort and peace in this difficult time.

[mamculuna.livejournal.com]

Thank you. We all regret the loss of such a wonderful person from a community that needs all the good people it can get. Her husband won't return, I'm sure, and that's a second loss.

Thanks for your concern.

[fraydecat.livejournal.com]

I am so sorry, mama.

[mamculuna.livejournal.com]

Thanks, Fraydecat.

[anomster.livejournal.com]

I'm very sorry to hear this, mamcu. I heard about Helen Hill last night on a public radio segment on the increasing violence in New Orleans. I think when something like this happens, non-attachment should be hard. My sympathies to you & to her mother.

[mamculuna.livejournal.com]

Thanks, anom. Her mother has the same strength that Helen had and is doing as well as one could in such circumstances--I think the public outcry is really helping her, giving her something to focus on. It's so sad to lose Helen, and also to see that we're all losing what used to be New Orleans and now seems like the first post-apocalyptic city in the country. Or maybe not the first...