From my mother, shockingly sad news. A great blessing in
my life is that Ma has become a devoted Buddhist herself. As such, she often attends
teachings at Thosum Gephelling Institute, near her hometown of
Brattleboro, VT. When a Tibetan Geshe visits, his teachings had been
ably translated by a 44-year old American named Ed Softky. I met him once in
this capacity. Tragically, Ed was killed last Thursday in a hit and run in
downtown Brattleboro. The driver who hit him was a 64-year old grandmother,
under the influence of alcohol and drugs, driving her granddaughter to school
at 8:30 in the morning. As if those weren’t hideous enough details, in a final
vicious irony, Ed was just getting back in his car after picking up snacks to
take to a hospice volunteer training.
There’s a deeply touching obituary about Ed in the Brattleboro
Reformer, as well as a tribute page at TGI’s site. Please do take a moment to
read these. The compassionate example of his life is really inspiring. And
then, in whatever way moves you, please dedicate prayers to him, that he may be
reborn in an auspicious way to continue to bring his kindness to the lives of
others.
Sorry to hear that man.
Om Ami Dewa Hri
Posted by: Oliver | October 13, 2008 at 11:46 PM
Thank you for this, son.His life touched so many people.
Posted by: Ma | October 14, 2008 at 07:51 PM
That's really sad. I'll definitely put him in the prayerbook for phowa.
Posted by: Palzang | October 15, 2008 at 09:01 AM
And Om Mani Padme Hung for the woman who did this.
Posted by: Rinchen Gyatso | October 19, 2008 at 02:27 AM
May Ed quickly be reborn in the Pure Lands. May all people who knew him be comforted. May the waves of Ed's goodness endlessly benefit all beings. May all drug and alcohol illness be healed. May the Grandmother overcome her illness. May the Granddaughter be healed of this tragic experience.
Posted by: Kirt Undercoffer | October 23, 2008 at 12:16 AM