The Tree of Life

It was the best of times, it was the most emotional; when time didn’t really matter. It was the best of places; the quiet rustling leaves our only sounds. It was the best of moments, when friends near and far came together to celebrate. In honor of the life and spirit of Sandra Kerley, it said.

[with CK in the Garden]

If you lie on the warm earth and feel its moist welcome through your fingers, eyes wide open to the young branches stretching upward you too can feel the infinite possibilities against the wide blue canvas. Limbs reaching from earth to sky in a fragrant composition: life, it says ready to give.

In a secluded haven the Family Garden that is part of the New York Restoration Project in now forever part of our family. CK was surprised -- there was after all a secret plot to get her there. Our reward was being there with her, and stealing a glance at the glee of her serenity.

We were all surprised at the familiarity and ease with which we could share the space, and moment. Like old friends who were meeting (some) for the first time. Lewis Green was already opening the gates when I got there. I almost brought the cab driver with me -- during the ride form Penn Station we shared the summery scent of his breakfast, an orange, and the story of my travel to his city.

It was the first time I passed the United Nations after my interview at the Italian mission so many years ago. Yes, I thought, we are on a mission, too. And what united us was the spirit of a mother, a very appropriate way to remember all those who have gone before us.

The next to arrive was Luc Debaisieux of Mindblob –- and indeed it blew my mind that someone would hop on a flight from Brussels to join us. With him, he brought the memories and elegance of my beloved Europe encased in beautiful boxes of Belgian chocolates -- one for each of us. Can you see CK’s exuberance at discovering him in our midst?

[with Luc and CK at lunch]

Drew McLellan and David Reich, the instigators and organizers, flanked her at the garden’s gate. We were all like children at recess, many of us talking at the same time to different people and to each other. Photos, hugs, and kisses were exchanged and soon we were all sharing phones to chat with Toby Bloomberg. Roger von Oech and David Armano called, too.

We broke bread together over stories of families, travels and projects. What is the most connective medium? It’s the human heart. We’re made of the most conducive material -- flesh and blood, where spirit makes its home. We can connect over any media, near and far, far away. We can connect at every age, in every place, right where we are. Here, take my hand, join the conversation.

[Lewis, Luc, Drew, David, CK, and me in the Bryant Park Restaurant]

Many others made the tree possible: Mack Collier, Tim Jackson, Marianne Richmond, From Marketing Profs: Ann Handley, Val Frazee, Sharon Edwards and Carrier Shearer, Mario Sundar, Gianandrea Facchini, Cam Beck, Gavin Heaton, Katie Chatfield, Matt Dickman and Paul McEnany. Thank you one and all for making this Memorial Day weekend special.

Comments

[Phil Gerbyshak]

Wow Valeria, looks like this was an awesome experience for all of you. What a happy bunch of smart people. Looking forward to joining you for bread one day soon...

[David Reich]

Valeria, it was indeed an awesome today because we were all together. Thanks for the beautiful write-up.

[CK]

It was the perfect day and this is such a moving post (you have such a way with words and feelings). And I miss you and "momma tree" already (I will be going back soon and going back lots). I really am better because of this community.

Amazing, eh? Much love and a level of gratitude that cannot be put into words.

[Toby]

Valeria - What a lovely post that tells a most beautiful story. Thank you for your 'words.'

[Joe Raasch]

You have chosen such beautiful (not cute, not pretty!), words to tell this incredible story. Thank you for sharing!

[Tim Jackson]

Valeria- You have done such a beautiful job of capturing the moment, as well as the essence of our existence. Thank you for writing this, sharing it and being a part of this moment with CK.

[Matt Dickman]

Valeria -- Thank you for capturing this so eloquently (as usual). Your words make me feel better since I couldn't (though I wanted to) be there.

[Valeria Maltoni]

Phil -- we shall meet one day soon, too.

David -- it was great to see where you work and get a chance to tour the city with natives.

CK -- you had me with your expression alone. That was truly priceless.

Toby -- it was neat to watch CK go through packages and cards. As I said in the post, we were all giddy like kids.

Joe -- ah, the precious meaning of words. When are we meeting?

Tim -- West coast is a bit harder for me, although I now have a whole lot of friends over there. Maybe I'll call you when I get ready to make my bike purchase.

Matt -- there will be other opportunities, I'm sure.

[Lewis Green]

Valeria,

Nice story-telling, and I was there and still loved reading your take.

[Joe Raasch]

Valeria,

Precious indeed. I did have time when I was in Chicago...where is Philadelphia again? :-)

[mindblob]

Dear Valeria,

... and "Dear" takes all its meaning here. Thank you for sharing how your heart captured these precious instants of eternity. Time did not matter, neither did space actually. This is because our hearts connected on the same "good" frequency to share an extra-ordinary, positive intention to honor CK's Momma, CK and her sister Melissa.

Now talking about European elegance, intelligence and naturally the incomparable and charming "Italian style"... meeting you was way above what I could imagine. Thank you for being "there". And remember, I'm also "here" for you.

Una riunione splendida, si? Grazie mille!
A molto presto!

Il vostro amico.
Luc.

PS : Hope these italian words are correct!
; )

[Valeria Maltoni]

Lewis -- it was really a treat getting some time with you up front. What a story you have!

Joe -- we'll have to draw a map for you. We would be at the center of things, of course ;-)

Luc -- you use the word intention in the same way I would. I know this is only the beginning and we will find more ways to express our creative juices, together. Indeed, un incontro veramente speciale, mon ami.