Sad news out of Shelton, Washington, from Joelle's husband Paul. For those who didn't know her, Joelle was one of the rocks in the foundation of Open Space in the world and certainly my own OS practice. A mischievous curiosity, quiet generosity and powerful spirit. I'm otherwise out of words at the moment, but passing this on for the others here who will want this news and might add some more about Joelle.
See also, below Paul's message, one of Joelle's poems that resonated on the OSlist years ago, 2003 (not one second out of date today!), found when I searched the archives for "joelle poem" (what else?!). Michael ---- To our family, friends and acquaintances--- On July 6, 2022 at 1:10 AM, while I am holding her hand, my wife of 60 years died (Parkinson's disease and dementia). There is a new star in the firmament. Joelle Lyons Everett graduated high school 4.0, Valedictorian and won a National Merit Scholarship. Fortunately for me, she chose the University of Washington where we met. We married August 26, 1961. We were blessed with four sons, Aaron, Hugh, John and David, 8 grandchildren and two great grandchildren. We have had a strong and interesting life together. Several foreign adventures as well as exploring the United States and Canada. Two particular activities/interests helped glue us together when the inevitable bumps in the road occurred. The first "glue" were two academic years of evening classes at Seattle U, a Jesuit University. We studied why we think as we do (our philosophies-led by Fr. Toulouse) and the psychology of the being human (led by Ed Maher). We read and discussed many books. It was a two-hour drive one way from Shelton, WA to Seattle, WA and back. *Deep discussions coming and going.* The second "glue" was the Creative Problem Solving Institute that usually met in Buffalo, NY. A June week of learning and leadership that sometimes included one or more of our children. We both taught Springboard and Extending sessions as well as attending many sessions of interest by strong thinkers and doers. *More deep discussions.* So, for the next several months, maybe a year, I will be involved in re-orienting my life. I do have help from Sons and others. I am writing this in the hope that many friends and acquaintances will see it and pass it on to those whom they know would want to know of Joelle's passing. Many blessings, J. Paul Everett; [email protected] ---- I'm breathing the smoke of gunshots, mortars, missiles, and oil wells burning. I'm stirring in the night, hearing children crying and mothers keening. The soft spring breeze has the grit of desert sandstorm. The night sky is torn by explosives, cut by the arc of a missile. There's no place far enough to put my heart at ease. Can I buy another chance? I want to refuse to take sides. I want to imagine a world more spacious and more intimate. I want the courage to buy homes and meals and schoolbooks instead of guns and tanks . I want to be peace, wild and fierce and sweet. April, 2003 Joelle Lyons Everett -- Michael Herman Michael Herman Associates 312-280-7838 (mobile) MichaelHerman.com OpenSpaceWorld.org
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