I do remember Bob and Shari from the old days at Karme Choling, mid 70’s. To me there was a kind of natural, shining romantic vibe around them. And Shari, as always, was a knockout dresser in an understated way. Elegant, before that was even a word I had thought about. Forward to Boulder and the Kalapa Court and, hey, there they were. And somehow I had gotten there too. It was always instructive, cool and good to be in service at The Court, thanks in large part to the more “full time” staff, like Bob + Shari, John and Jeanne Perks, Walter and Joanne Fordham to mention a few…who were able to transmit an atmosphere of fully melted unspoken cheerful awake in which you were invited to take part. So, when You spilled the ice water on the way to the table or tripped on your way in or out of a room there was no problem. I was aware in a vague way of the amount time, exertion, and I’ll say “success” or basic joy that the staff seemed to embody within that household. It was awesome though I wouldn’t have put it that way at that time. It was something lived and shared. Forward to this summer in Nova Scotia where I now live with my husband, Bob Howard, previously The Court gardener. In June I receive an email from Shari that she and Bob V. were planning a short road trip and they would like to come visit? Well, sure , that sounds great. I felt honoured. They drove down to our place outside of Annapolis Royal in their silver camper van. We had a lovely visit, July 17+ 18. When they arrived Shari said that Bob V. wasn’t feeling like himself, was unusually tired and low appetite, and that they were looking into this with tests in Halifax. We did what seemed like a lot over those 3 days and 2 nights. Together we made an extensive tour of (“my”) Bob’s gardens, as well as a full tour of the Annapolis Historic Gardens. Both evenings we attended FODAR full evening dance concerts. Bob V. was definitely down in energy, didn’t have a lot to say but yet was so there, along with a palpable sense of deep personal concern. At one point I think I turned to him and in a slightly teasing way said, “Why is she dragging you around like this?” To which he looked at me, acknowledged the question as interesting, something we might think about?…but no big deal. They decided to head home rather than stay a third night, getting back just before a rainstorm. In Halifax, early August, I had another lovely visit one evening at their home. I was there for Rabjam Rinpoches visit and brought them some flowers from our garden. Then it all went so fast. This tribute is perhaps way too long. In years it is a connection that spans over 50 year with it’s different locations and flavours . I am sad. It brings tears. “Who was that Unmasked Man?” Thank you for your profound service and your friendship. With love to Shari and the “children “, Dessie