What I did on Halloween, All Saints' Day and a life well lived

Someone kept coming out and giving ETA updates

- The big plan: to get in line around 6:45pm on Friday evening, since the line cuts off at 7pm for Advance Voting. Maybe people will be home waiting for Trick-or-Treaters, I thought. Nope - it took 3 hours to vote, but I got to know all the people around me, always a good thing.

- An email from a high school classmate about her father's memorial service today. Family members said that in the days leading up to his death in his beloved Hawaii, he spoke of Halloween being his favorite holiday. So they would like attendees to wear either a Hawaiian shirt or Halloween shirt of some kind for the service today - appropriately on All Saints' Day. She added, "We want to celebrate his life and peaceful death, not mourn our loss of him."

I am on the mailing list for the Organic Farmers' Market held in Decatur, GA every Wednesday afternoon and go by when I can. One of my favorite people there, Omar, has passed away. I bought kale from him just a few weeks ago. He had a thousand kilowat smile and was just the nicest man. I include part of his tribute from the email here because it is so beautifully written and so spot on.

- "A Cultivator of Change...
The Georgia Organics community has lost a dear friend and wonderful
supporter this week. A dedicated and gifted market gardener, Omar generously shared his knowledge and love of all things organic and sustainable with people of all ages, and was an active participant in Georgia Organics' Farmer-to-Farmer Mentoring Program. Children held a special place in Omar's heart, and were always welcome at Omar's Lake Oconee Garden, where Omar and his wife often hosted educational outings.

Omar spoke of being inspired by the memories of growing up on his grandparents' farm, and the taste of fresh grown fruits, vegetables, and herbs. Omar certainly passed along that inspiration. His special kind of caring and attention came through in everything he did, and is reflected in the legacy of respect for nature and community that he leaves, along with the esteem and love that is felt for him by so many people. He will be deeply missed, but he will be well remembered."