Farewell, My Dear Friend

Ed Miller, seated among the collection of native woody plants he almost single-handedly

established at the renowned Landis Arboretum near Esperance, NY.

Yes, I know.  Nobody lives forever.  But damn, I'd hoped we'd have a few more adventures together, Ed Miller and I. Only a few short weeks ago, Ed was as alert and as agile as ever -- amazingly agile and alert for one who was 94 years old.  But sad to say, Ed suffered a stroke a few weeks ago, and little by little he weakened until he no longer had the strength to draw breath, and so he died.  Yesterday evening.  March 4, 2019.  Although I am sad to have lost my friend, I am happy to report that he spent his last days at peace and without pain, accepting of his situation, and surrounded by those he loved.

I have written before on this blog about Ed and what he meant to me, and I urge my readers to re-visit the tribute I composed about him on the occasion of his 90th birthday.  Or type his name into this blog's search bar and be prepared to be amazed at how many adventures we shared together and how many things Ed taught me.  Ed was the most enthusiastic teacher of all things botanical I have ever known, responding with irrepressible delight to even the commonest wildflower, excited to share with others everything that he knew, and eager to learn from others -- even others like myself, a neophyte nature enthusiast with far less knowledge and experience than he had.  That's just the way he was: insatiably curious, open, enthusiastic, generous, smart, and fun.

We had SO much fun together!   Thank you for taking me under your wing, dear Ed.  In addition to all your accomplishments, you added much joy to the world.  Farewell, my friend.  I will remember you with delight all the rest of my days.

I hope this photo conveys the delight I always felt in Ed's company. (Photo by Sue Pierce)