May 2, 2009
Boston, Massachusetts
IHP hosted a lovely celebration of Smitu's life in Boston on Saturday, May 2 – the same day as the celebration in Delhi, India. We were outside in spite of initially questionable weather that brightened as the day went on - just as we did too.
We sang together songs suggested by family, friends and alumni, led on the guitar by my son, Thacher, who knew Smitu over many years. All of the written reflections and photographs sent in remembrance were posted on a ribbon stretched from one side of the courtyard to the other; as people arrived more thoughts were added. Many spoke offering their contribution to the celebration reflecting on Smitu’s influence, his care and commitment to the environment and social justice. Emma, Smitu’s eleven year old daughter, was our star, which she handled with grace. Emma and her mother, Karen McGuinness came from Princeton, NJ to be with us. We made a point to honor Emma’s very special Dad and not be overwhelming. Overall the gathering had a feeling of simplicity, love and warmth.
Alumni came from as far as DC (Pam Mendelsohn '04) and Maine (Emily Simons ‘03). Other friends of Smitu’s came from Connecticut (Jeremy Geller with his wife and son). Pam and Bill Michaelcheck ’69, Chairman of the IHP Trustees came from New York as did Ethan and Alley (Schoonmaker) Kent ’97 and Nick van der Kolk. Other IHP Trustees Crocker Snow (Massachusetts) and Tom Hiatt ‘69 (Indiana) also attended. 2007-08 alumni: Rachel Wyant, Roz Palmer and Katie Gillette helped with the planning and logistics including candles for everyone to light. At the end a soft breeze came and the candles all went out at one time as we finished our recitation of the Sufi saying sent by Morgan Williams ’02.
The celebration took place at the United South End Settlements Childrens Art Center, a site for early IHP meetings that Smitu knew well and especially appreciated.
There were about 60 of us total, and we felt the presence of those in India, as well as all those who could not be with us in Boston. Afterwards we walked the five blocks to our house at Braddock Park – also well known to Smitu - for lunch and more sharing of stories and being together. Betta van der Kolk, neighbor across the street and often homestay host of Smitu, prepared the main dahl course. There was further opportunity to read the remembrances, which were given to Emma in a book with photos and also sent to Smitu’s family and wife, Bindia, in India.
I kept seeing and feeling Smitu in our gathering and had to remind myself that he was gone - but I'm also sure he was with us as he was in India that day and will remain with us all forever.
Joan Tiffany