Looking out: Celebration of life

Wednesday, July 23, 1997 - 10:00

Celebration of life

By Brandon Astor Jones

"Even the death of friends will inspire us as much as their lives ... Their memories will be encrusted over with sublime and pleasing thoughts, as monuments of other[s] ... are overgrown with moss; for our friends have no place in the graveyard." — Henry David Thoreau, 1817-1862

Cancer keeps taking my friends' lives. On April 20, after nipping at her heels for seven years, the disease took the wonderful Cathy Smith at Warrigal Hospital in Melbourne. I am told that "she passed away peacefully".

Cathy loved flowers. Cathy loved people. I remember when I asked her to send a dozen roses to someone I love, she took such pleasure in my request; she honoured it immediately and then asked if there was "anything else" that I needed sent.

Chris Smith wrote to inform me that "a meeting of worship for thanksgiving for the life of Cathy Smith" took place that reflected her Quaker upbringing. At the chapel in the funeral parlour, "The chairs were aranged in a circle around the coffin surrounded by bouquets of flowers". In a belated fashion and by second hand, we (the loved one that she sent those lovely roses to, and I) were there among those who loved and respected her.

Cathy continually inspired us while she lived. I would like to share some of her inspiration with you. Even in death, Cathy's love occupies an appropriate space of reverence in my heart. I am sure that her life will inspire you as well. If you write to Chris Smith, 7 Adenmore Court, Eltham Vic 3095, or ring (03) 9431 4305, fax 9431 4441, information will be provided so that you can obtain and be likewise inspired by her book Celebration of Life.

[The writer is a prisoner in the United States. He welcomes letters commenting on his columns. He can be written to at: Brandon Astor Jones, Georgia State Prison, HCO1, Reidsville, GA 30453, USA. For the first time in 17 years, Brandon has the real hope of his sentence of death being mitigated. If you can help by contributing to his defence fund or in other ways, please contact Australians Against Executions, PO Box 640, Milson's Point NSW 2061. Phone (02) 9955 1731, fax 9427 9489. Cheques can be made payable to "Brandon Astor Jones Defence Fund".]