Old Souls

You know how people talk of those who they see as old souls. I believe Beth was an old soul. One wise far beyond her years. Someone who transends physical, mental and emotional space.It has been one month since Beth left this physical world. I can’t really say where that month went for me, although it also feels like a life time too.

Since Beth’s passing I have been wandering around looking for connections in the world. Searching for peace in my mind and soul. Grieving my loss and the loss the world has suffered. I am trying not to fear the pain I suffer and am trying to reach out to others as they suffer too in loosing Beth. None of it is easy of course. It is truly unfair. But best thing for everyone is to grieve and suffer in the pain to find a place of peace in this loss. I wanted to post a portion of what I shared with everyone at the celebration here today in part to begin sharing with those who couldn’t be there but also to begin my dialog, further opening up Beth’s legacy in this world.

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Beth was the world to me. We learned to think together, play like one, intellectually challenge each other to grow, and explore the new interests and worlds of the other. I have heard some say that we were an inspirational couple. I’m not sure, it was just the way it was for us.

Beth inspired many, through her work, her wit, friendships and passion for the world.

Beth taught me a very important lesson early in our relationship, and one that many of you know transpired through our lives individually and as a couple.  “Live your life as an experiment”.

I believe Beth’s wish is that we apply the teaching in our everyday lives and thus free ourselves and others from suffering. Keep an open mind.  Like a drop of fresh springwater- On a rock in the sunshine it will soon evaporate, if in the ocean it will never be lost. Thus the wish is made that we not keep the teachings to ourselves but use them to benefit others.

Join us for a Celebration of Life

Please join us as we celebrate the life of Beth Peterman. We gather together to remember a woman whose wit, compassion, strength, wisdom, kindness, inclusiveness, passion and sense of urgency to make the world a better place inspires us all. Beth’s spirit touches so many people in this world, it will make her happy to know that we all will gather together to share her stories and take them back out in the world to be shared some more.

Sunday, July 12
4:00 PM – 7:00 PM.
Daybreak Star Cultural Center, Discovery Park, Seattle www.unitedindians.org/daybreakstar.html
A short program will begin at 5:00 P.M. Families including children are welcome.
Please R.S.V.P to eventwrangler@gmail.com

Beth’s wish and our hope is that this event be a celebration of her life, despite the pain we are feeling at her loss. In this spirit, there will be several opportunities to collaborate and directly participate in making the evening wonderful:

• Sharing memories. We will be sharing stories of Beth’s life as well as photos and other memories we have of her. If you have a digital or actual photo or any other memory you would like to share, we will be collecting pictures, writings, and other mementos for a memory book which will be displayed at the event. For more information on how to contribute to the memory book, please coordinate with Janet at janet (at) wiley.net.

• Sharing a meal. In the spirit of Beth’s community involvement and cultural connectivity, we invite interested cooks to participate in a potluck supper. Although it is certainly not required, we encourage those who would enjoy bringing a dish to share to coordinate with Katherine and Maria Grace at Katherine.grace (at) gatesfoundation.org.

• A note on RSVPs and spreading the word. While Beth had a great many contacts, we know there were many more people in her past and present worlds than are represented by her email address book. Please help us spread the word by forwarding this invitation to people who might not have received it but may want to join us in celebrating her life. We hope to share this event with as many of Beth’s community as would like to be there. However, we would appreciate knowing how many chairs (and bottles of wine!) to provide so please let us know if you hope to attend. Thank you.