So sad to hear of Birgit’s going — this news truly shook me. She was a proverbial extravagant, out-there, and delightful woman. I kept in touch with her after our 1986 seminary days, and in the early nineties we met in London, climbed the stairs to the dome of St. Paul’s, and had lunch by Tower Bridge. Even on the net, she shone with knowledge and care, slipping between Spanish and English with ease — her Spanish always delivered with a certain command and air. Yes, Birgit was fully there with everyone she met, endlessly curious about people and the world. She reminded us that life can be lived richly and openly for sure. So here’s to Birgit, and to her precious, precious life amongst us. —Rita Ashworth, UK