I just recently, very absent minded, emailed Rachel, which was of course returned undelivered.
Paul and I emailed for years and I purchased and gave away many ball point pens and roller balls from him. The last one I had kept for myself, a beautiful blue and pearl Conklin roller ball, was stolen in Kennedy International on April 28th as I was making my way from Tucson to Manila Philippines. I found out about Paul's passing on May 11th, in a text from another pen friend.
Rachel and I were pen friends for about 23 plus years, as well as she being my unpaid writing mentor for about 20 years. I guess perhaps I should dust off the manuscript she was helping me with and take a stab at putting it out there, at least to just get read.
My last letter to her was at the end of January, and I got a short card back from her in mid-February. She just said she was tired but still fighting.
My last contact with her was as I was getting the final preparations done for moving, near the end of March. I didn't hear back from her, but didn't think too much about it.
Besides being distracted with packing and such, I was frankly stunned with the news of her passing. I thought she'd fight through once again.
Rachel and I were the most unlikely of pen pals, and great friends. I'm a Christian theologian, straight dude, and Rachel, as she put it was a "Jewess Heretic". Tee-hee. That always makes me laugh.
I learned about Tarot from her, and even had all her Tarot books and a first edition of her book and Tarot deck that I lost in a house fire in May 2017, along with her other works that were burned in my library.
We were able to discuss most anything and learn from each other, and still love one another, which is a process that is sadly very lacking in this world.
I miss her in many ways. She was a great friend to lean on as I went through the care and passing of my wife Debra in 2022.
Rest in Peace Rachel, and Paul.
Jim Sanders
poohcornerpens@hotmail.com
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