The blessing in our sorrow is that Mara meant so much to so many. It has helped us cope with the incomprehensible. Mara was brilliant at reaching out. We all carry within ourselves a part of Mara's life. May we today share of this spirit with others -a bit more than we usually do- and thus celebrate the day in 1969 she was born.
This picture of Mara up close was taken soon after her 35th birthday in Annapolis, Maryland.
The top picture is posted at the request of Katarina. Vinalhaven, Maine, Summer 2005.
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4 comments:
Dear Carol, dear David, dear family and friends of our beloved Mara, dear co-bloggies I feel so close because of the love for Mara we all share!
Mara would have turned 39 today, but God only knows how old her immortal soul would be on this day - she was so mature even at such young age!
After talking with Mara all night long in my sleep last night, I woke up with the thought that at this very moment her soul might be finding a new body - maybe any moment now she will smile with the eyes of a new-born radiant little girl or boy... I know she is with us and I somehow believe I will see her one day, and even in a different body I will know it's her right away.
The candles - one by the icon at our place, and another one next to Mara's photo - have been burning all day today and, again, everything I look at reminds me of Her. I played the CD-s with the recordings of Mara as guest in my radio talk-show two years back (for Radio Free Europe). Fancy hearing Mara's voice again!!! It rings full of optimism and laughter, even when she is serious!
Today I was planning to go to an orphanage to read children's books to the children there and give them some presents. Needless to say, this activity would have been dedicated to Mara's bright memory! Unfortunately, this had to be postponed as the organizing committee couldn't supply me with addresses, so I will do it one of the following weekends.
By the way, for some time now I have the feeling everything I've been doing over the past 2-3 months has something to do with Mara - was either inspired or encouraged by her - I took up studying Spanish, translated the play W;t (about a woman killed by cancer), visited a couple of old ladies who lost their husbands over the past year. Yesterday I talked to Kina, Mara's Bulgarian director at the school in Gorna Oryahovitsa, and for the first time my voice didn't break while speaking of Mara, nor did I cry! I have probably taken Julia's advice not to cry and not to break down, "for Mara wouldn't want me to". Thank you, Julia! It's so much better keeping Mara's memory alive and having her spirit around all the time, instead of lamenting her! After all, lamentment is for the dead, isn't it. With Mara, this will never be the case.
Shine on, sweet Mara!
God bless you all!
Love and hugs,
Zlatna
Happy Birthday, Mara, now and forever! Jessica just lit a candle by your picture. The sun is going down on the trees in Evanston, Illinois and we're listening to music and thinking of you.
Your Cousin,
Johnny Sagan
My Rising Star,
I miss you so much. It has been a while since we talked but I can feel your spirit all around me. Things are moving so quickly here, I simply wish that you did not leave.
Happy birthday.
Dear Carol , thank you for keeping us up to date and David, thank you so much for posting those lovely pictures!
We lit a candle and celebrated Mara's life on her birthday.
Much love from David's Dutch family,
Ems
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