The Artful Human Revolutionary and The Happy Feet Expeditions
Dennis and his wife Akiko were my first District leaders in 1971. They were like family from the start. I was a skinny anxious kid of 20 and they always connected with me with genuine warmth. They were part of my home base as I began to grow in my Buddhist practice and personal life.
After a decade or so I was practicing south of San Francisco but we said happy hellos at meetings when we encountered each other.
Decades passed until at one of our meetings at the SF Buddhist Center, Dennis thrilled me with his report that he was having an exhibition of his artwork near his present home in Milbrae. I knew he had always wanted to spend his time doing what he loved. So, I was very encouraged to see that in his later years he was living this dream.
So, it was a treat to go visit him and see an exhibition of his amazing water colors. And as we toured the exhibit together I noticed he had some difficulty walking. Eventually, I got him to tell me about how his health plan wasn’t able to get him the right shoes and foot care.
So, having cared for other elder family members I knew it was crucial to stay mobile to have the best quality of life.
Here was a chance to do something to return his many years of kindness. I knew an excellent foot doctor so I began taking him for appointments. It was a great happiness to soon him find walking easier and more securely. We ended up going every couple of months after that. Then Akiko started going with us. And of course we introduced all the doctors and office staff to our Buddhist practice. We also shopped for special shoes which the doctor recommended.
And we had great conversations on these trips. However, in his humanity and strong sense of justice he could bitterly complain about the state of our world. We even argued a few times about not sliding into states that were negative.
When our trusted foot doctor moved her office to Livermore, we continued our trips there. With all these day trips across bridges we started calling them “Happy feet expeditions”.
Also, It so happened that Sharon and I had had to find a new apartment a few years before the happy feet trips started. And at the time of those trips our land lord, who had proven to be like a protective angel to us, toured our apartment on 23rd and California, as she was checking for maintenance. When she entered the living room she saw our altar and said “Do you guys practice Buddhism?” We said “Yes, we chant Nam Myoho Renge Kyo.” She then said, that a couple lived in the apartment some years ago who had an altar like ours and that was the chant they did! She smiled with delight and said their names were Dennis and Akiko and they were lovely people and great residents. We were all stunned with amazement. And when I reported this to Dennis and Akiko they were were amazed and amused. While rents had skyrocketed We somehow had found an affordable apartment that had also been a home for our Buddhist family while our paths had been in different places for decades. (In the memorial photo library, the picture of Dennis with many familiar faces of members shows the living room of the apartment we now live in.)
Over these last many years Dennis and Akiko began to need more and more care and their family and friends have done an enormous job with amazing endurance. I’m glad I could contribute a bit to lighten their load even for a short time and repay my debt of gratitude for kindness given to me at a crucial time in my youth decades before.
A short time before Dennis was mercifully released from the intense pains in his body by exiting for the next life, and with his daughters kind assistance, I was able to talk with him on the phone two times. I was able to tell him I treasured him and appreciated him and loved him; and that I would never forget him and we would meet again and we would happily enjoy another life.
There seemed to be no more room for bitterness. He could not speak very much because of all the pain meds but he was clearly crying tears and seemed focused on love.
Not long after that I heard of his passing. And during the next few days, while chanting and praying for him and his family, it occurred to me that nearly every one close to me who has passed seemed to send me a signal of goodbye in some form. (Please do not think I am crazy.) The stories can be verified by my other family members and friends. So, I asked myself if something like that would happen with Dennis.
Then I was stunned to remember that on the evening and the next day after his passing, It had occurred to me that my indoor slip on shoes, which were more than a decade old, really needed to be replaced and were no longer good for my feet.
So, somehow only hours after Dennis left us, I had gotten it in my head to do something about my foot wear and was able to find a beautiful new pair, despite this type being a bit rare. (I had failed a couple of times years before to find this type and had given up until this time.)
So, right after leaving us, I had a happy feet day! All I can say is, thank you Dennis. It feels like you were letting me know we would always be friends and you are okay. Only you could have known to give me that nudge on that day. I imagine you wanted me to know it was you.
From head to toe, I am sure you are very happy. And I know your beloved Akiko misses you deeply; but you must be glad that she is well cared for. We who are still here in this realm of intense growth are all going to cross the sea of suffering together on the ship of the Lotus Sutra. Please enjoy and be assured!
