Clashing Symbols

My friend Leigh Ann was in a fatal motorcycle accident last Tuesday. We were coworkers years ago. I hadn't seen her in quite a while, but that in no way diminishes my sadness at her passing. She was a vibrant person with an amazing breadth and depth of interests. Doing a Google search on her full name returns an amazing array of information on a variety of topics; motorcycles, Celtic music, cooking, Morris dancing, home brewing, creative writing. Leigh Ann had a unquenchable thirst for knowledge which served her well in her work in the software industry.

Leigh Ann brought much to everyone with whom she had contact. I can barely imagine how her death has affected the people closest to her. It's said that example is the best way to teach and that the most avid students are the best teachers. A vast number of us learned a great deal from Leigh Ann about living life passionately and having fun in the process. This color photo was taken during a birthday party on a boat on the San Francisco Bay with all the celebrants dressed in pirate regalia.

I once had two tickets to a concert by Indian violinist L. Subramanian. I asked Leigh Ann if she wanted to come with me. She agreed so I picked her up and we drove fifty miles to the college where the concert was held. I'd ordered the tickets early, so we had good seats. After the music ended, people went up on stage to say hello to L. Subramanian. Leigh Ann and I joined them. When it was her turn to say hello, Leigh Ann asked if she could shake his left hand because that was the one which did all the wonderful fretting on the violin. Leigh Ann was exuberant about that concert. I enjoyed it so much more for having gone with her.

In reflecting on Leigh Ann's life and her sudden death, I am struck by how our desires are so boundless. As much time as someone may live, it's never enough. I can imagine some expletive crossing her mind as she realized that was the last moment of her life. Fare thee well, Leigh Ann.