11/21/2021

My Friend & POTUS, JRB,

My daughter just arrived for a week’s visit. I’d like to spend every minute that I can with her, so I am going to skip my usual perusal of the news & just write from my heart.

            Did you have a nice birthday? You have so much to celebrate. I hope you took a moment to bask in the glory of life. I saw that BHO sent you a nice greeting. What a gift to have his friendship!

From BHO’s Birthday tweet to JRB

            Speaking of the gift of friendship, I feel so fortunate to have my Yangon Friends. I just got off a Zoom call with them. Today, in addition to folks in Korea, England, Japan, Burma, MI, PA, VA & CA, we were joined by the Martha’s Vineyard Meeting so we had about 20 people in silent worship. We began our time together by talking about Tazaungmone festival in Myanmar which happens on the full moon of the 8th month in the Burmese calendar & marks the end of the rainy season. Usually, 9,999 candles are lit up as offerings to Buddha in the Chaukhtatgyi Paya Pagoda & many more are sent floating up in the air. Our Friend in Yangon reported that while not as spectacular as some years, this year people are gathering to mark the occasion bringing some joy to the embattled community. That was heartwarming news.

During our After silent worship time, messages emerged about our quest to overcome fear & anxiety to find tranquility so we could use our personal gifts to make the world a better place. We noted the important role that nature has in that pursuit of tranquility & spent some time talking about the ancient beauty of the Gingko tree.  I wish you had been there. Perhaps you will join us one day.

BYBS,