processing

I received the shocking news today that the woman who took over my Philadelphia job had a heart attack and died at work on October 26. I didn't know her, although she had called me and we exchanged a few emails at the end of September as she was preparing for an upcoming board meeting. I don't have many specifics about her life or death. She had begun her work with the Academy in August.

My former boss is dealing with some serious health issues of her own. I have been in only sporadic communication with her; our move and adjustment has taken most of my energy these past six months, as did a big freelance project I worked on through September and October.

I don't really have much to say about these incidents. No major conclusions to draw. I am thinking, however, of the office that she occupied, which I occupied for six years. I can visualize her in that familiar setting. Her hands touching the keyboard that I used, in the chair I sat in. Doing the work that is so familiar to me. I think of my former colleagues in the building who were there when she died. Who must have tried to help her. I can picture the moment her spirit left her body in that beautiful confusion of release and reunion.

Flying.

Comments

[Night Editor]

I'm sorry for this, Julie.

[Jennifer]

Wow.