Accepted

You know I would meet you anywhere – in a field, on a mountaintop, in a concert hall and perhaps, if we live long enough, in Harambee House - which you and Marks named and where you taught us so very much about fairness, gentleness and thankfulness.

I remain deeply grateful for all that you and Marks brought into my life and which I appreciate even more with age. In your twenty years as the beloved Librarian and as a housefellow, you demonstrated by example the importance of listening, and not just with one’s ears. You always knew when someone was sorrowful and, with a gentle word or a small gesture, brought back happiness.

As members of the Pearson College community, we’ve been listening to the sorrow on Peddar Bay for five years now, unable to do anything to stop it and punished for trying. Still, I don’t think there is a need for cynicism, just realism. These people are what they are. Nevertheless, the goodness that existed at Pearson College will inspire others to take up the cause that exhausted us. To paraphrase Nelson Mandela, ‘In my country, goodness goes to prison first and then becomes President.’ There are legions of good people associated with Pearson College. The tipping point might soon be reached and goodness will again reign.

Even if we are unwelcome at the upcoming reunion, we might live long enough to see the sea change.