I miss my friend and colleague George Blooston. I've been thinking about our Thursday afternoon jaunts to the 8th street farmers market in DC. He always purchased a freshly made empanada, or 3---occasionally adding fresh peaches, heirloom tomatoes, or a pint of mushrooms to take home to share with his family. He always ate an empanada on the spot and was quick to offer a treat to a friend. George's passion, emphatic intellectual wit, his easy comforting demeanor, his joy of life will be greatly missed.
George wrote the following last week; “God and journalists are often at opposite poles, one all knowing, one all seeking, searching for wider perspective.” George fought harder than any of us know against an aggressive cancer with a team of experts in the field at his side. Short of his hopes it, the cancer returned with a vengeance. His recent battle was more difficult than I can ever imagine though through my ears and eyes his spirit never waned.
His resolve to stay here with his family was vetoed this past Tuesday August 23, 2011. I imagine him arm wrestling God with his right hand while speaking loudly-- clearly, telling God that the almighty made a mistake. Perhaps the wider perspective is understood. There is one thing I know for sure. The earth shook rather aggressively the day George left us. We all ran outside into a beautiful day.
I am fortunate for having known George. I pray that Jeanne, Leo, and Isabelle will be comforted by George’s spirit. His legacy lives on in all who were lucky enough to know him.
