Paul was one of the most loyal members of our writing community and NCWN-West. He held a writing contest for many years for high school students in Cherokee County, NC. He served as our Cherokee County Representative and brought us all together at ShoeBooties for readings each month. Like our present Writers Night Out, those were social gatherings as well.
Mary Ricketson, present Cherokee County Rep, told Paul about Reiki and how it might help him with his back pain, etc. That changed his life. He studied Reiki and became a Reiki Master. Soon he was teaching others, including my sister Gay. When Barry, my husband, was sick, Paul came out to our house and gave Barry Reiki treatments. He would not charge me for them.
He published his poetry in journals and in a book. I will post some of his poetry here later. Paul took a couple of my memoir classes and wrote delightful stories of growing up in an Irish neighborhood in Pennsylvania. He made some trips to Ireland and told me he would like to live there. His stories about that country made me think I would like to live there also.,
He adored his beautiful wife, Ann, and my heart hurts for her today. Once again, I feel that life is too short and ends too suddenly.
Gandi said, "My life is my message."
Paul has left us a good message by the way he lived his life. Be kind and generous, enjoy life and love others. Persevere even when life is difficult. And love dogs. He and I had great conversations about our dogs.
If only we all could live such a life.
If only we all could live such a life.
