Thinking of you, Gerti dear, at your 59th birthday!

It has been difficult for me to write these words and I’m embarrassed that it has taken this long. My heart has ached for my friend Gertrude since hearing the news, I love her so. Vivid memories have flooded me these past months. She was a sister to me, a friend, and a classmate. We met at the SHI macrobiotic school in Philadelphia and were classmates together for a year in 2012. I would smile at her from across the room to see her face light up. We connected, sharing a love of things textile, thoughtful and creative. She showed me the magic of her city on a few cherished trips. Gerti urged me toward parenthood, saying “kids are fucking awesome” and my son was born in December of 2014. We shared two visits together in his first year. She delighted in his small feet in the summer sunshine, holding them in her hands. My deep regret now is that in the past year and a half I let my busyness and exhaustion keep me away from visits to her city. It felt difficult to keep in touch, both of us on our journeys. Maybe both not wanting to share the darker parts of our experience. I wish now for one last hug and long conversation sitting side by side. I will make my peace and her memory will live on in my heart with joy. I feel her now, broad smiles and stripes come to mind. I pray for her beautiful “forever forward” journey now. I wish her smooth travels and send love and light on the wind to her.

Forever friend and sister,

Laura MacLean

Lemont, PA

Designed by Gerti...

Yesterday at 7 pm (Austrian time) I visited the chapel, Elisabeth described in an earlier post, to think of Gerti. I believe that she was lovingly received by her parents.

Paul Klee "Angel (still groping)"

There is a wonderful place in Leoben where Uli and I use to meet at Christmas time. It is a chapel near a holy well where we prayed and sang last Christmas for our friend Gerti. She will always stay in our mind and be with us every time we meet at the cold well ❤️