This past week as I was taking stock of what needs to be sorted through in my dad’s office, I came upon a printed email on his desk that I had sent him in 2017. Here’s what it said:
Hi Papa–
In the middle of class at the prison tonight I had a wave of gratitude crash over me for you, for all the time I spent with you at community fellowship and the men’s shelter, and most importantly the respect and caring of others you modeled for me as a child. During the reflection period at the end of class (during which everyone shares a gratitude, a learning or an intention for the week ahead) I mentioned that I was feeling gratitude for my dad and everything he taught me through the way he was with others. I think many of the guys (many of whom are themselves fathers and struggle with being away from their children) were really touched.
Anyway, just wanted you to know that your work (and most importantly your way of being) is very much alive in the world– and tonight at least, it was alive at a men’s medium security prison in Rhode Island!
love you– and still wondering about easter!!!
love love,
rebecca
Stanley’s buoyant, quirky yet deeply respectful way of being with others is with me always as an ever present guide for how (I at least hope) to show up in the world, whether facilitating classes in prison or walking down the street…