Sandra True
One Year Anniversary After Sandra’s Death
January 24, 2012, Mark. Lynn and I will gather with friends for a meal to mark the anniversary of Sandra’s death. We will borrow from the old House Church format. It is difficult to comprehend that a year has passed. As I struggle through the wound of loss, I am daily reminded of deep gratitude for Sandra and the journey we shared. In particular she and I both carry an abiding gratitude to the Mystery for bringing us to this wonderful community that you all are – Present, Past, and Future. Grace and Peace,
~~ Bob True
Dear Bob, We were at Westside and South side (I believe) when you all were at North side (1970s). We is Ann and David Stewart and daughters, Tabitha and Catherine. I remember all the stories then and through the years of you and Sandra. It was such a gift to us all to have a doctor among us and in our projects and to consult with, and besides who was so missional and creative and fun.
After my husband, David, died in November of 2000, we celebrated his life again in November of 2001. Having a year distance made it a time when we really could celebrate, the veil of tears wasn’t so thick then. I don’t know the name of it but there is a Jewish custom to celebrate a deceased loved ones life one year after the death. I celebrated with Jewish friends once and I thought that was a really good idea. May your joy exceed your sorrow. Peace,
~~ Ann Shafer
I remember Sandra (and you) as compassionate people and very much down to earth. My most vivid memories are of you and Sandra visiting the human development project at Vaviharsh, Maharashtra, in the late 70s where I was working. On one such health trek, Sandra talked about the importance of greens in our diet and (this was a very poor village) we scouted around for greens growing in the wild that were normally not part of the village diet. We cooked them and served them as a demonstration to people attending the heath trek meeting. Members of the health guild, mainly village women, found this new and strange but ate it all the same. The event was a memorable one for them (and for us “auxillaries” as well). They warmed up to Sandra’s smiles, graciousness and her positive attitude. Besides the idea of sourcing unconventional greens for meals, I think they were also taken up by the thought that one could be innovative and find solutions to health issues from what is available locally. Sandra’s presence has enriched the lives of many of us.
~~ Dharma
Sandra and I had been working with ICA Zimbabwe on HIV/AIDS for a couple of years. In late 2011 we were to teach together a HIV/AIDS peer educator course. The African ICAs had been teaching this course for 10 years. A course Sandra helped design with Louise Singleton in Ghana about 2002.
Sandra called me from Brazil that her breast lump had turned out be cancerous, but she felt she could deal with it and still teach the course. Later in the year she called me from the hospital and said things had gotten worse. She doubted she would get out, but she wanted to share her thinking on the course.
When I called back I spent 45 minutes copying notes about how she thought the course should be taught. It was brilliant! She wanted the course to be turned on its head. Let the students teach it. They know all they need to know about HIV/AIDS. They just needed to get on their feet and teach it. I did go and teach the course just like she told me and she was right.
People say that near death people become extremely wise as they let go of worldly concerns. It was sure true in Sandra’s case.
~~ Richard Alton
Dear Colleagues, It is in deep sorrow that we have learned the passing on of our beloved sister Santra True. A Humble Lady who was committed to transforming lives in the world. I came to know her last year June 2010 at Stanford University were we were studying on Chronic Disease self Management to be able to change lives of people living with HIV and AIDS in Africa. We Loved Santra but God loved her most. Santra has left a legacy of people fighting against HIV and AIDS. it is my hope that Gerald and I will establish a department in our programmes and name it after her. We are on a journey and every one will alight at his or her stage. In deep sorrow,
~~ Meshack
Leadership Training and Integrated development
Masii – Mwala- Nairobi (kenya), ICA Kenya
I am filled with awe and the sense that this is a holy time. Sandra has been one of those who have called into new life the Valley of Dry Bones that was this order and this movement. Many of you have sent quotes and poems to be read to her as she rests. These are so wonderful that I wanted to keep them. I started to create a new folder to put them in – then I spied a folder titled “Emerging Order” which contained previous discussions about the emerging shape of the Order. Oh, yes, that’s where these thoughts for Sandra belong. She will be emerging into new life, and because of her, new life is left behind. I send this for Sandra and those who watch with her, in love.
Deep peace of the running wave to you,
Of water flowing, rising and falling,
May the stream of your life’s journey flow unimpeded.
Deep peace of the shining stars to you,
Which stay invisible till darkness falls,
And discloses their pure and shining presence
Beaming down in compassion on our turning world.
Deep peace of the quiet earth to you,
And of the Son of Peace
Who breathes into us His Peace and His Spirit,
Deep, deep peace.
Adapted from a Gaelic Blessing
~~ Janice Ulangca
To Sandra, Bob and Lynn, A favorite here at Songaia and sung at both Stan and Fred’s Memorial Services – another Irish Blessing
May the road rise with you,
May the wind be always at your back,
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
May the rain fall gently on your fields,
Until we meet again
May God hold you
In the hollow of Her (or His) hand.
You are loved and appreciated by so many for all the ways you have cared for this group of well-intentioned human beings and our future. We have not thanked you enough. And for all the many ways you cared for the people in your community, as a nurse, advocate and friend. Your magic has touched so many! Peace and Blessings to you as you travel this last earthly journey, Sandra. In Wonder and Gratitude,
~~ Carol Crow
We are connected: John Muir said, “When we try to pick out anything by itself, we find it hitched to everything else in the universe.” And many others have said likewise. As we take our turn in the vigil circle for Sandra, it is clear that we are connected personally to her, and she to us. The energy we send goes not only to Sandra but to each of us, and in turn by extension to the network of relationships we all have.
~~ Jean Smith