kind, patient, deep, joyful, curious, intelligent, loving, affectionate, strong, worldly, spiritual, beautiful. Miriam and Len gave me a book when I graduated (late in life) with my Bachelor's degree. It was on Gods. The inscription on the card read,
"To Dear Laurie, Congratulations on your steadfast journey in pursuit of wisdom--
a gift from us to help you keep track of your friends in this world and the next! Love, Miriam and Len"
The cover of the card was a remarkable drawing, perhaps done by a friend of theirs (I'm not sure) I came upon the book and the card the day after Miriam passed, and was deeply touched by her message, once again.

When I was a little girl and the Atkins family was living in one of the two Hyde Park apartments they'd made their home after I'd first met Zivit, Zivit and I had a "play date," although in those days that's not what we called them.  I will always remember watching Miriam as she gathered Zivit and Smadar into her arms for an embrace.  Then she said, with her South African accented voice, sounding as if she had just taken a bite of the most delicious food she had ever tasted:  "My beauties!"  The image of their three dark heads together has stayed with me during all the years of Zivit's and my amazing friendship.  Because my relationship with my own mother was so complicated and unaffecitonate, that image and memory has served as a template for the way I have loved my own children.  Miriam was a teacher, even when she was "just" loving.  I'm so sad that she suffered at the end of her wonderful life.  I hope that wherever she is now she can continue to be "spontaneous," which is a reference Zivit will understand.  

In memoriam of the spirit of Miriam,

You may have no time to tell this and I understand.

She was a well loved woman, supporting creative forces in the Northwest and beyond. People came to her from far and wide to feel her warmth.

When I had relationship problems, she counciled. When I had creative challenges, she counciled. When I wanted fun, she and Len had it!

Bless Miriam and the joy she brought.