...And the ship went out into the High Sea and passed into the West, until at last on a night of rain Frodo smelled a sweet fragrance on the air and heard the sound of singing that came over the water. And then it seemed to him that as in his dream in the house of Bombadil, the grey rain-curtain turned all to silver glass and was rolled back, and he beheld white shores and beyond them a far green country under a swift sunrise.
But to Sam the evening deepened into darkness as he stood at the Haven; and as he looked at the grey sea he saw only a shadow on the waters that was soon lost in the West. There he stood until far into the night, hearing only the sigh and murmur of the waves on the shores of Middle-earth, and the sound of them sank deep into his heart. Beside him stood Merry and Pippin, and they were silent.
J.R.R. Tolkien, the Lord of the Rings, Return of the King
Emily Jacke, NMH '08
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
A graceful passing
My dears,
Even though we knew to some extent what would happen, I cannot say how painful it is to share of Jesse's passing, this night at 8:40 pm.
Jesse was taken off respiration earlier this afternoon after it was clear that other functions had ceased. He continued to breathe on his own for the remainder of his time. It was his expressed wish that was honored.
Alan tearfully reported that it was a graceful passing.
Please share this news with others as Jesse's circle has broadened beyond any of our imaginations.
This web of love and support will be needed for a good while and we know that you all want to be of support. We will let you know as soon as we do what will happen next and how you can help. As of this evening, the family needs time to be in the present.
In the meantime, read and write on this blog, collect pictures and memories, talk with one another about this extraordinary soul and mostly hold each other as close as you can.
I am blessed to part of Jesse's community of friends. Each of you have redefined the word family.
Take care of each other,
Even though we knew to some extent what would happen, I cannot say how painful it is to share of Jesse's passing, this night at 8:40 pm.
Jesse was taken off respiration earlier this afternoon after it was clear that other functions had ceased. He continued to breathe on his own for the remainder of his time. It was his expressed wish that was honored.
Alan tearfully reported that it was a graceful passing.
Please share this news with others as Jesse's circle has broadened beyond any of our imaginations.
This web of love and support will be needed for a good while and we know that you all want to be of support. We will let you know as soon as we do what will happen next and how you can help. As of this evening, the family needs time to be in the present.
In the meantime, read and write on this blog, collect pictures and memories, talk with one another about this extraordinary soul and mostly hold each other as close as you can.
I am blessed to part of Jesse's community of friends. Each of you have redefined the word family.
Take care of each other,
Jodi Paloni, Marlboro VT, USA
Meat Pie! J. Julius!
Another posting (below) from the NMH Library blog. This time we were publicizing a Meat Pie performance. I'm not sure who did the drawings. I loved the energy, enthusiasm, sense of fun and adventure these young musicians brought to the library! We're all thinking of you, Jesse - Pam Allan
................
Please join us in the library for Acoustic Friday with improvisational string quartet MEAT PIE!
Friday, May 25, 2007, 4-5 PM
- Harlin , Viola
- Sue , Cello
- Lysander, Violin
- Jesse , Violin
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
8th Grade Recommendation to NMH
An artifact for the archive of Jesse's life: a recommendation to NMH. Here's what one teacher had to say about this truly remarkable young man as an 8th-grader.
MARLBORO ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Box D, Marlboro, VT 05344
A recommendation for Jesse Lopata.
A Characteristic Experience:
In ten years we have produced a hundred or more scenes and one-act plays and I’d never allowed overt violence portrayed. Until Jesse came along. Jesse wanted to explore acting on a characteristically deep level and was attracted to a scene with subtle dialog and intense emotions. It involved cruelty to animals and equally harsh vengeance. I thought Jesse could do this in a way that audiences would forgive seeing young adolescents involved with despicable acts. We were not disappointed. After preparing with a sophisticated exploration of the script and thoughtful rehearsals, Jesse and another talented actor brought to life the complex motivations of violence and impressed everyone with the power of dramatic art. In fact, Jesse helped our class see and discuss the parallels to our current war on terrorism and question the wisdom of a violent response to violence. I’ll bet it will be a long time before another student will convince me to bring violence onto our stage. Jesse is that rare individual who we can trust to show us that part of ourselves.
Additional Comments:
When checking boxes for the qualities listed on the form, I struggled with my commitment to reserve the use of “Outstanding” for only those truly rare examples. I have recommended a good number of students to NMH and hope I always give you clear, uninflated and useful information. With Jesse I had to restrain myself to keep from checking that first box for each & every quality. Likewise, I tried unsuccessfully to find something “good.”
Jesse is a remarkably mature and composed individual who is deeply fascinated with the world, delightedly exploring a wide range of interests. His mind questions, surmises, and evaluates with an enviable fluidity and effortless persistence. It is because of this limitless academic potential that I did not rate his academic performance as outstanding—though exemplary, it could never equal this unbounded promise. His work habits are equally enviable: he is prompt, diligent, and reflective; he plans efficiently and is often inspired. The product of his work is consistently well conceived, self-edited, and meticulously presented, if not downright beautiful. The content of his efforts is creative and insightful, guided by and generating essential questions. When it comes to students, Jesse’s the real deal, and he will inspire teachers and fellow students alike. I remember thinking I should hire him to write curriculum!
Best of all, he’s a kind and considerate young man who avails himself to others in an easy-going, good-humored manner. There has never been a teacher here that has not placed Jesse on their short list of favorite students. I was glad to hear that he was interested in your school for it would seem a good match. Not only should you be excited to admit Jesse, you would do well to pay him to attend! I have no idea what resources he has or needs, but Jesse possesses a rare talent for collegial learning in academia & the arts that, while is it’s own reward, certainly warrants financial support. In short, everyone in your community will be rewarded to know and work with Jesse Lopata.
Sincerely,
Timothy Hayes
MARLBORO ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Box D, Marlboro, VT 05344
May 13, 2004
To Northfield Mount Herman School:A recommendation for Jesse Lopata.
A Characteristic Experience:
In ten years we have produced a hundred or more scenes and one-act plays and I’d never allowed overt violence portrayed. Until Jesse came along. Jesse wanted to explore acting on a characteristically deep level and was attracted to a scene with subtle dialog and intense emotions. It involved cruelty to animals and equally harsh vengeance. I thought Jesse could do this in a way that audiences would forgive seeing young adolescents involved with despicable acts. We were not disappointed. After preparing with a sophisticated exploration of the script and thoughtful rehearsals, Jesse and another talented actor brought to life the complex motivations of violence and impressed everyone with the power of dramatic art. In fact, Jesse helped our class see and discuss the parallels to our current war on terrorism and question the wisdom of a violent response to violence. I’ll bet it will be a long time before another student will convince me to bring violence onto our stage. Jesse is that rare individual who we can trust to show us that part of ourselves.
Additional Comments:
When checking boxes for the qualities listed on the form, I struggled with my commitment to reserve the use of “Outstanding” for only those truly rare examples. I have recommended a good number of students to NMH and hope I always give you clear, uninflated and useful information. With Jesse I had to restrain myself to keep from checking that first box for each & every quality. Likewise, I tried unsuccessfully to find something “good.”
Jesse is a remarkably mature and composed individual who is deeply fascinated with the world, delightedly exploring a wide range of interests. His mind questions, surmises, and evaluates with an enviable fluidity and effortless persistence. It is because of this limitless academic potential that I did not rate his academic performance as outstanding—though exemplary, it could never equal this unbounded promise. His work habits are equally enviable: he is prompt, diligent, and reflective; he plans efficiently and is often inspired. The product of his work is consistently well conceived, self-edited, and meticulously presented, if not downright beautiful. The content of his efforts is creative and insightful, guided by and generating essential questions. When it comes to students, Jesse’s the real deal, and he will inspire teachers and fellow students alike. I remember thinking I should hire him to write curriculum!
Best of all, he’s a kind and considerate young man who avails himself to others in an easy-going, good-humored manner. There has never been a teacher here that has not placed Jesse on their short list of favorite students. I was glad to hear that he was interested in your school for it would seem a good match. Not only should you be excited to admit Jesse, you would do well to pay him to attend! I have no idea what resources he has or needs, but Jesse possesses a rare talent for collegial learning in academia & the arts that, while is it’s own reward, certainly warrants financial support. In short, everyone in your community will be rewarded to know and work with Jesse Lopata.
Sincerely,
Timothy Hayes
RIPPLES of LOVE and SUPPORT
It's so amazing to realize just how many ripples of prayer and care have formed around Jesse in the past weeks... from a children's Sunday school class in Oregon, to families on the coasts of MA, NJ and Washington State, to islands half-way across the world... and that's just the ones who are connected to our family. To date, we've received over a hundred emails around Jesse. It's also so wonderful reading other's connections on this blog (thanks Jane): from all those at NMH to Meetinghouse Preschool (Paul!) to Brattleboro (Emily!) Jesse is either going to walk out of the hospital or seamlessly transition into the light each of us sees in him. Thank you... your ripples support my own as we encircle each other in love throughout this tender journey together.
Kelly Salasin, along with sons Aidan & Lloyd and husband Casey Deane
Marlboro, VT
PS. Jesse also visited my dreams last week... he was en route with a friend. I was in a library.
Nothing But A Burning Light
I first met Jesse when he was three years old. He came to my school unformed and luminous, a blond headed boy filled with grace and wonder. I saw him easily make friends, learn to negotiate and share. Even then he was strong and compassionate. I heard him sing and laugh every day. He danced, he painted, he swaggered and sashayed. I watched him perform and star in dramatic productions of The Three Bears, The Billy Goats Gruff, Three Little Monkeys Jumping On the Bed, and many avant garde improvisational dramas with Pirates, Knights, Princesses, Dragons, Queens and Witches, Heroes and Villains, Tantrums and Giggles. He built palaces, forts, and castles with large wooden blocks. He drew funny pictures of humans with colored markers.
I got to know him at that magical time of the three and four year old, in the world of the here and now, still connected to the Brahman. His light burned bright then as it has all his life. When I go outside and feel the sun on my face I’m reminded of Jesse.
Paul Redmond
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