It is hard to imagine life without my sister-in-law Margaret.  And on the other hand, everything I learned from her and all the things we did together, mostly decades ago when the kids were small (and plentiful) will always continue to reside inside my mind.

She was always so much calmer than I was when confronted with the disruption of little kids.  That was an inspiration to me, and finally 40 years later I am pretty calm within a madhouse. She also once said to me "No more boring dinners".  This might not sound important to you, but it was a revolution to me, and we are still living like that.  I think about her almost every evening in the kitchen. I think about her when I look at the Hurleyville paintings on our living room walls.  She taught me that you can learn to do almost anything - grow vegetables in the desert, upholster furniture, learn to quilt.  These things were mysterious to me.

I wish I could have said these things to her, but she didn't invite that sort of communication.  What I wanted her to know was that being in a family with her was important and wonderful.

As a child growing up in a very crowded Brooklyn apartment with our parents and my sisters I remember all the good times we had sharing holidays and vacations. We all squeezed into a car and almost every weekend we ventured out of our apartment and usually with our cousins and aunts-uncles to the parks and beaches. Margaret always seemed happiest outdoors. I also recall Margaret always singing and being creative. We all went our separate ways as teenagers and young adults but we all seemed to get back together in the 80s when we all started having children. These are my best memories of Margaret and her new family while we visited in Virginia and the start of many Delaware beach vacations. I also have very fond memories of our recent reunions either out West or when her and Mark came for a visit to NYC. When I think of Margaret I will also remember her as the happiest, friendliest, creative and kindest person. I miss her very much and I love her dearly. Your brother Jimmy 

Rinpoche Gesang Suolang contributed tremendously to the process of translating some of the Dharmas imparted by Namo Dorje Chang Buddha III. Over the past few years, she reviewed many drafts and gave many suggestions. She was always generous in giving of herself to help others. She was always humble, patient, dependable, honorable, and had the kindest intention. It was such a blessing to have worked with her and learned from her. No words can express my appreciation and gratitude. Gesang was a compassionate teacher, a kind friend, and an inspiration. Wishing the blessings of Buddhas and Bodhisattvas will always be with Gesang and everyone in her family! 

Oh Wonderful One

You are wonderfully kind, love radiates all around you, you showed compassion even in difficult times and practiced well.

Your smiles and strength are an inspiration to all.

You learned from Buddha well and many could see your understanding.

You dedicated your merits from which all benefited.

Now its your turn to utilize the Treasury of the Dharma to Reach the other shore.

May you go toward the bright clear light, undisturbed, without looking back, without looking forward but always now, now now.

Fa Zang Rinpoche

Thank you, Mark, for making this opportunity to hear and share memories of Margaret. It is often overwhelming to me how much she has meant to me and how much I will miss her physical presence in this world. She never “taught” me anything, but I have learned so very much from her and I have no doubt I will continue learning from her as she lives on in my memory. It is hardly surprising that she has had this effect on so many people. When I attended the Kuan Yin Dharma Assembly in Salt Lake several years ago, your family welcomed me into your home and it was like I had been transported to a different universe of calm, love, and joy. I am grateful for what your partnership with Margaret has brought into this world and beyond grateful for your sharing it with all of us.