Trimonthly Triquetra: Mid-November -- Birthday Tribute to Vidandi

 

THE TRIMONTHLY TRIQUETRA

Compiled & Edited by Rob Chappell (@RHCLambengolmo)

Editorial Associate: Sabrina Saelind

Editorial Assistant: Jessica Breckinridge

Vol. 0, No. 7: Mid-November 2024

 

 

November Theme: Remembrance

Episode #2: A November 15^th Birthday Tribute to Vidandi

 

Editor’s Note

                November is a month of remembrance throughout the world Whether it’s the Day of the Dead, Armistice Day, or Thanksgiving, we take time each November to remember our forebears and their selfless sacrifices that made our own existence possible. In our second issue of the month, the Editor celebrates his good friend and honorary cousin, Vidandi S., his first and favorite peer mentor at the University of Illinois.

 

Introductory Remarks by the Editor

                This very special blog post is dedicated to the memory of Vidandi, my first (and best) peer mentor at the University of Illinois. During my freshling and sophomore years, Vidandi, two years my elder, took me under her wing, introduced me into her circle of friends, gave me sage advice about how to navigate campus life as a student with diversabilities, and showed me what philia (the Greek word for love between friends) is all about. She also helped me to understand how numinous everyday life can be when we approach it with an open mind and an open heart.

                She was an English major, and her favorite color was pink. I was studying Classical Philology, and my favorite color was blue. I had not yet read Plato, Rumi, or Dante; those authors were still in my future when Vidandi and I overlapped at the U of I for two amazing years. In looking back on those years, however, I can see how she was trying to teach me about things that I would later learn about by reading Plato’s Symposium, Rumi’s inspired poetry, and Dante’s La Vita Nuova. And what were those lessons of hers all about? They were all about Platonic love and courtly love – two types of loving that I had never heard of or learned about before, until Vidandi (and, later on, Plato, Rumi, and Dante) opened the eyes of my heart to see that there are many different kinds of love in this world, all of which are beautiful, and equally valuable, in their own way. Friendship, Vidandi taught me (both by word and example), is the firm foundation upon which all other types of love are built.

                Vidandi truly was a “dreamer, shaper, singer, and maker” – who was, like Homer the epic poet, bereft of physical sight but was nevertheless endowed with the “second sight” that one usually finds only in sages of threescore years and ten. Today would have been her 59th birthday, but her life was cut short by cancer a few years ago. This is my heartfelt tribute to Vidandi – who was (and still is) truly the best friend of my undergraduate days at Illinois. Requiescas in potestate, Platonica anima cara mea. (Latin) = May you rest in power, my Platonic soul-friend.

 

“In that part of the book of my memory, before which little can be read, there is a heading, which says: ‘Incipit vita nova: Here begins the new life.’ Under that heading I find written the words that it is my intention to copy into this little book: and if not all, at least their essence.”

-- Dante (1265-1321): La Vita Nuova

 

“Remembering Vidandi”

By the Editor

Editor’s Note: This poem can be sung to the tune of “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star.” Anahita, mentioned in the poem, is the angelic regent of the planet Venus in the Zoroastrian faith of ancient Persia.

 

Evenstar of hope and love,

Sparkling in the skies above;

Silver pearl of sacred light,

Shine within my heart tonight:

Help me sing Vidandi’s praise,

My best friend of college days.

 

Honorary cousin blest,

Heart of gold beat in her chest;

Bard and sage with gentle hand,

She was fairest in the land;

Sweet and kind and goodly-wise,

Now she dwells in Paradise.

 

Anahita, please do tell

My dear friend, where you both dwell,

That she lives within my heart.

We are never far apart,

For the friendship-love we share

Holds our hearts within your care.

 

Vidandi shares tea and cookies with the Editor in 1987. (Archival image processed by the Editor.)

 

“A Beacon in the Dark”

By Vidandi (Dedicated by Vidandi to the Editor in 1987)

 

In the vast expanse of life's journey,

Beneath the weight of time's passage,

We seek the comforting light of hope,

A guiding star to steer us true.

 

For though the world may darken around us,

And fears may shadow our paths,

In the moments when we need guidance most,

Your light still shines, a beacon in the dark.

 

Like a lighthouse guiding weary travelers

Through treacherous seas and storms,

Your wisdom lights the way,

Illumining hope and peace.

 

In life's tumultuous journey,

When challenges arise, and hope fades,

Your beacon remains a steadfast light,

A steady guide for hearts to turn to.

 

Through life’s trials and moments of uncertainty,

When we face the shadows and lose our way,

Your presence brings comfort and reassurance,

A comforting sense of hope and certainty.

 

Through the vast expanse of time and space,

Through countless moments of struggle and joy,

Through the trials and triumphs, the laughter and the tears,

Your light still shines, unfaltering and clear.

 

Your light shines bright, guiding our way,

Leading us through the shadows of despair

And illuminating the path ahead,

Bringing hope and reassurance to our hearts.

 

In times of strife and deep despair,

When hope seems lost, and darkness reigns,

Your light is the lifeline of hope,

A guiding star to steer us steady again.

 

Your wisdom, like a flame, burning bright,

Illuminates the path that lies ahead,

Guiding us through the darkness of doubt

And lifting our spirits when needed most.

 

In moments of joy and celebration,

We gather around your radiant light,

Honoring your presence, your kindness, your grace,

Knowing you’ll always stand by us in the night.

 

Excerpt from a Letter Written by Vidandi to the Editor

Dated December 3, 1987

                You have truly been a blessing. Your friendship and kindness towards me have made many things possible. You have been a source of unending joy, happiness, and laughter. As we share all our thoughts and ideas, I feel that our connection has grown even deeper and more meaningful…

                Every time I see you, I am reminded of how lucky I am to have you as a friend. You have always supported me, and your compassion has guided me through some challenging times.

                Our friendship has grown stronger over the months, and I know that it will continue to flourish in the future. You are one of the most special people in my life, and I am grateful for your presence in my life...

                I will always treasure our memories together. We have shared so much laughter, joy, and adventure that it feels like our friendship has been a part of me for a lifetime...

                I hope that we can continue to make each other laugh and share amazing experiences for many years to come. Our friendship has brought such a wonderful richness and warmth to my life, and I hope it has done the same for you.

                There are so many things I could say about how you have influenced me and how much I value our friendship, but I don't think words could ever fully capture my appreciation for all that you have done. You are truly a special person, and I am blessed to have you in my life.

 

 

“Wild Nights – Wild Nights!” (#269)

By Emily Dickinson (1830-1886)

 

Wild nights – Wild nights!

Were I with thee

Wild nights should be

Our luxury!

 

Futile – the winds –

To a Heart in port –

Done with the Compass –

Done with the Chart!

 

Rowing in Eden –

Ah – the Sea!

Might I but moor – tonight –

In thee!

 

 

“She Walks in Beauty”

By George Gordon, Lord Byron (1788-1824)

 

She walks in beauty, like the night

Of cloudless climes and starry skies;

And all that’s best of dark and bright

Meet in her aspect and her eyes;

Thus mellowed to that tender light

Which heaven to gaudy day denies.

 

One shade the more, one ray the less,

Had half impaired the nameless grace

Which waves in every raven tress,

Or softly lightens o’er her face;

Where thoughts serenely sweet express,

How pure, how dear their dwelling-place.

 

And on that cheek, and o’er that brow,

So soft, so calm, yet eloquent,

The smiles that win, the tints that glow,

But tell of days in goodness spent,

A mind at peace with all below,

A heart whose love is innocent!

 

 

“Simple Gifts”

By Joseph Brackett (1797-1882)

Editor’s Note: Vidandi introduced the Editor to this song when she played it on the guitar for him in the fall of 1987. Ever since then, the Editor has regarded it as a Thanksgiving song. 😊

 

1. 'Tis the gift to be simple, 'tis the gift to be free

'Tis the gift to come down where we ought to be,

And when we find ourselves in the place just right,

'Twill be in the valley of love and delight.

 

Refrain:

When true simplicity is gained,

To bow and to bend we shan’t be ashamed,

To turn, turn will be our delight,

Till by turning, turning we come 'round right.

 

2. 'Tis the gift to be loved and that love to return,

'Tis the gift to be taught and a richer gift to learn,

And when we expect of others what we try to live each day,

Then we'll all live together and we'll all learn to say,

 

(Refrain)

 

3. 'Tis the gift to have friends and a true friend to be,

'Tis the gift to think of others not to only think of "me",

And when we hear what others really think and really feel,

Then we'll all live together with a love that is real.[22]

 

(Refrain)

 

4. Tis the gift to be loving, tis the best gift of all

Like a quiet rain it blesses where it falls

And with it we will truly believe

Tis better to give than it is to receive.

 

(Refrain)

 

Vidandi plays “Simple Gifts” on her guitar. (Archival image processed by the Editor.)

 

“The Magic of Platonic Friendship”

By Julia McFerson, Staff Writer

 

Platonic friendship is a gift so rare,

It's a precious bond that fills the air.

A friendship without romance or desire,

A connection based on trust and fire.

 

Platonic friendship knows no bounds,

It's a love that transcends all of life's confines.

A bond that never asks for more,

But instead lifts us up and cheers us higher.

 

With platonic friendship, there is no need,

For possession, jealousy, or greed.

In this connection, we are free,

To simply enjoy each other's company.

 

In platonic friendship, trust and respect,

Create a bond that grows and does not neglect.

We lift each other up when times are tough,

And share a joy that's pure and wholesome enough.

 

 

“Mom”

By Zoey Valen, Staff Writer

(Dedicated by Zoey to Her Mother, Vidandi)

 

My mother, my light, my guide, my friend,

My heart and soul, my constant end.

Through trials, joy, and life's vast sea,

Her unwavering love, my anchor free.

 

She lifts me up with her gentle touch,

Her kind words soothe, her hugs, a clutch.

In moments dark, her hand, it holds,

A guiding beam, like stars among the clouds.

 

Her wisdom's like a river deep,

Flowing through my soul, to cleanse and keep.

Her love, a garden where I grow,

Underneath her sun, I'll always glow.

Her courage, like a mountain high,

Leading me to heights and heavens' skies.

 

Her laughter, oh, how it rings so sweet,

In moments of stress, a welcome retreat.

Her strength, a pillar, ever true

Through storms of life, her love for you.

My mom, my confidante, my joy,

My hope, my peace, my treasure trove.

 

 

“Many Ways We Wend”

By George MacDonald (1824-1905)

 

Thou goest thine, and I go mine –

Many ways we wend;

Many days, and many ways,

Ending in one end.

 

Many a wrong, and its curing song;

Many a road, and many an inn;

Room to roam, but only one home

For all the world to win.

 

“Love is the astrolabe of God’s mysteries. A lover may be drawn to this love or that love, but finally one is drawn to the Sovereign of Love.”

– Rumi (1207-1273)

 

“The Stars Are Mansions Built by Nature’s Hand”

By William Wordsworth (1770-1850)

 

The stars are mansions built by Nature’s hand,

And, haply, there the spirits of the blest

Dwell, clothed in radiance, their immortal vest;

Huge Ocean shows, within his yellow strand,

A habitation marvelously planned,

For life to occupy in love and rest;

All that we see – is dome, or vault, or nest,

Or fortress, reared at Nature’s sage command.

Glad thought for every season! but the Spring

Gave it while cares were weighing on my heart,

’Mid song of birds, and insects murmuring;

And while the youthful year’s prolific art –

Of bud, leaf, blade, and flower – was fashioning

Abodes where self-disturbance hath no part.

 

 

“That is not dead which can eternal lie,

And with strange aeons even death may die.”

-- H. P. Lovecraft (1890-1937)

 

 

“Death, Be Not Proud” (Holy Sonnet #10)

By John Donne (1571-1631)

 

Death, be not proud, though some have called thee

Mighty and dreadful, for thou art not so;

For those whom thou think'st thou dost overthrow

Die not, poor Death, nor yet canst thou kill me.

From rest and sleep, which but thy pictures be,

Much pleasure; then from thee much more must flow,

And soonest our best men with thee do go,

Rest of their bones, and soul's delivery.

Thou art slave to fate, chance, kings, and desperate men,

And dost with poison, war, and sickness dwell,

And poppy or charms can make us sleep as well

And better than thy stroke; why swell'st thou then?

One short sleep past, we wake eternally,

And death shall be no more; Death, thou shalt die.

 

“From the unreal, lead us to the Real; from the darkness, lead us to the Light; from death, lead us to immortality.”

-- Brihadāraṇyaka Upanishad 1.3.28