Dottie: Here is a little gathering some of Stan’s learners had for him on Sunday March 21 at Kingman Island in Washington, DC. We gathered with picnics, blankets, family, and lots of love for Stan. We shared our favorite stories about him during our time at Rollins, and we took this photo for you.
I was lucky enough to visit your home a few times and will never forget those visits. The first was when a close friend died at Rollins. Stan found me staring into space on the main floor of the old building, and he picked me up by my elbow and walked me to his office, where we shared a good cry. Then the next weekend, Stan and Dottie invited me, and a few others close to her, to their home for the weekend to grieve, hike, share silence, and be together. I will never forget that.
A few years later, after I started dating my husband Adam, who was also Stan’s learner, we found a weekend to visit with Stan and Dottie in the mountains. We went for a hike, ate good food, and heard stories about what a truly beautiful partnership and life together looks like. We often think about and talk about your partnership, Dottie, as such a deeply loving example.
The last time we saw Stan (with Dottie) was at GW when he delivered at talk. We brought our oldest daughter who had school cancelled for the day–he was so excited she joined us. Soon after, we received a note from Stan with the hippo book. We read about the hippo and tortoise’s friendship again last night with our little girls.
We all felt so lucky to learn from Stan, and wonder about the many people’s lives he touched and how many people’s careers (hearts, and minds) he lifted. Sending much love and peace to Dottie and the family in this difficult transition. xo