The first time I lived in Philadelphia was January through May of 2000. Instead of going abroad during college like many of my classmates, I came to east for a semester.

It was during this time that I first got to know a woman named Simone. She and her husband Bob were members of the Philadelphia Subud group and adopted me during this first stint in Philly. I dog-sat for them when they went away and knew their home as if it were my own.

When I moved back to Philly in 2002, I reconnected with these generous, giving people and they became part of my extended family in this city.

Simone, a glowingly lovely woman died on October 4th of cancer. This picture is from meetinghouse where her memorial was held today. I still cannot believe that she’s gone.