Derrick Weston states what he needs from me and other white people after the killing of Terence Crutcher, one of too many black people killed by police.
Until we meet again, Ted Hickman
Only 17 short days ago they gathered to bid me farewell. My colleagues and friends from the community of nongovernmental organizations at the United Nations; my friends and colleagues from the Presbytery of New York City.
Ted was there. And after the words were spoken and the time came for people to leave, Ted and I looked at each other across the room.
We smiled. We moved toward one another. And as we had done before, threw open our arms and walked into an embrace, two bears seeking to engulf each other.
He whispered into my ear. Words of thanks. Assurances of prayers. Best wishes for what lay ahead.
I whispered back. Words of thanks. Assurances of prayers. Best wishes for what lay ahead.
As we disengaged, I said my final words. I refused to say goodbye as I left New York. And so I said to Ted, “Until we meet again.”
Only two short hours ago I received the email from the office of the Presbytery of New York City.
“In Memoriam” read the subject line. I had received enough emails with that subject to know what it meant. Someone had died.
I was prepared to learn of a death. I was not prepared to see Ted’s gracious, smiling face. Nor did I expect to read these words:
It is with deep sadness and grief for his family and this presbytery that I tell you that Theodore (Ted) Hickman, the Moderator of our Presbytery of New York City, died last night in his sleep.
Ted was 51.
My initial shock has given way to deep sadness and grief.
I grieve for his family … for Duryea Presbyterian Church where he served as the Commissioned Ruling Elder (pastor) … for his colleagues at NYU-Langone Medical Center … for the Presbytery of New York City … for all who knew and loved this good man.
I grieve for a song and life ended too soon. Too soon.
I grieve for what might have been.
I grieve for myself.
I grieve, knowing that, in life and in death, Ted, and all of us belong to God.
I grieve, knowing that love never ends, even death can never sever the cords of love that bind us together.
I grieve, believing in the resurrection.
I grieve and proclaim “Alleluia.”
I grieve and remember those final words I said:
Until we meet again,
my friend, my brother.
Until we meet again.
Note: the photo of Ted Hickman is the one that appeared in the message from the Presbytery of New York that announced his death.
The Until We Meet Again Tour – 7 September, the last gig
The last gig of the Until We Meet Again Tour took place this evening at Madison Square Garden. A New York Liberty game provided the occasion. The Seattle Storm crushed the Liberty. As the game progressed, I first said, “Let’s see if we can stay within 20 points.” And then I said, “Let’s keep them under 100.” Neither happened as the final score was 102-78.
Nonetheless, I find three gratitudes for this, the final gig.
The venue is magnificent.
The players are amazingly gifted athletes.
And it was good to attend with DeLaina Gumbs.
Note: The original plan had been for Tricia to play this gig with me; however changes in the exit strategy meant that she did not return from Richmond before going back to Cleveland Heights.
Filed under Friends
The Until We Meet Again Tour – 7 September 2016, part 1
The Gym at the Shire has been a recurring venue during the Until We Meet Again Tour. I have been one of the house bands. Nicole Kung, of NK Body Philosophy, was a featured artist during these gigs. Desi Aldarando, Grace Ji-Sun Kim, and Elisabeth Lee made guest appearances.
The final show at this favored venue took place this morning. And after the show, the entry fob was turned in. Self care will continue in other locations, but not at the Gym at the Shire, until we meet again.
The Until We Meet Again Tour – 2-5 September 2016
The Until We Meet Again Tour played the US Open from Friday evening through Monday night, an exhausting and invigorating schedule. A number of friends and family members sat in during the appearance. The heart of the group was Sean and Eric. Great tennis was viewed. Good times were shared. The renovations at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center were impressive. The new Grandstand became a favorite. It was good to see some matches in Louis Armstrong Stadium. Much food was consumed. The hamburgers came highly recommended and lived up to their billing.
The Until We Meet Again Tour – 2 September 2016
The Until We Meet Again Tour, featuring Eric as a guest artist, visited Battery Park. However, our gig at the Irish Hunger Memorial was cancelled due to construction.
The Until We Meet Again Tour – 1 September 2016
After a day of work, the Until We Meet Again Tour appeared at Penn Station to pick up Eric who arrived to attend the US Open. We traveled to Sean’s apartment where we visited with the talented up and coming artist Henrik.
The Until We Meet Again Tour – 31 August 2016
An era came to a close. The Until We Meet Again Tour moved out of the Shire today. Tricia packed the final car load to take to Cleveland Heights via Richmond. I gathered up the items I will need for the next ten days or so and moved in with my friends Nicole and Desi and Boxster.
Filed under Friends, New York, Photo, Uncategorized
The Until We Meet Again Tour – 30 August 2016
The Until We Meet Again Tour spent most of the day preparing for the next tour – the And Back Again Tour that will originate from Louisville, Kentucky.
During a packing break, a quick stroll was made around Harlem Meer in Central Park to pick up at poster at the Museum of the City of New York.
The Until We Meet Again Tour – 29 August 2016
The Until We Meet Again Tour opened the day in the canyon lands of New York on a walking tour of Wall Street. A ferry ride to Governors Island followed for a visit that included the national monument and the newly opened The Hills. The day ended with a return to Community Food & Juice with Tricia, Nicole, Desi, and Boxster.
Filed under Family, Friends, National Park, New York, Photo, Uncategorized
