Missing You Judith Wise-Rhoads Scott Cunningham had no idea how many people's lives he touched when he was alive. Oh yes, he received cards and letters, phone calls and personal thank-you's at public meetings; however, the people who call or write represent one in a hundred or more who are touched and changed. Everyone who found an answer, an idea or an inspiration, is a member of Scott's extended family. Richard Bach wrote in his book Illusions: The bond that links your true family is not one of blood, but of respect and joy in each other's life. Rarely do members of one family grow up under the same roof. Scott's extended family must number in the tens of thousands. Bach also once said, If you are still living, you're not done. Scott left us at age 36—finished with work on this level! Scott seems to have felt driven to give all he could. As sick as he was, Scott worked hard to finish two books last year while he still could. He didn't have to; but we, his extended family, will gain from his dedication. These books of Scott's will come out over the next two years. (It can take that long due to publishing schedules.) Scott will be influencing and helping us still. His books are basic primers to Crafters; his contributions great to our fast growing religion. One of the great perks that go with running a bookstore is meeting wonderful people like Scott who become friends for life. It was in '77-'78 when I opened my first bookstore (Ye Olde Enchantment Shoppe in San Diego) with a partner who later left. Scott taught his first class at the Shop—actually we taught it together. It was like a vaudeville act. We had a lesson plan with part lecture and part questions and answers. Somehow I ended up on Scott's lap then he was on my lap. It was hilarious and great fun but totally unrepeatable—it just happened! The best times seem to just evolve. His classes were always fun as well as very informative. There were about 5 of us in the Shoppe one night at closing time, just shooting the breeze and drinking coffee. Nobody wanted to go home yet. Scott was the one who thought up Strip Tarot and we all just made it up as we went along. (It was innocent!) Scott had other talents besides instigator. He was a great dancer. Scott was even in a local production of Chorus Line, I believe (it was before we met). Going out dancing with Scott was always a great time. So many cherished memories. Scott was concerned about his wonderful parents whom he loved dearly. His last six months to a year, he talked about not wanting to be a burden on them. He took care of himself independently as long as he could. His very sweet mother, an invalid, and his father (also a writer and where Scott got his ability) did a great job of raising a courageous, talented and sensitive individual with a unique sense of humor. Since one's sense of humor comes from one's High Self, Scott's spiritual side was clearly well developed. He was so funny, always joking, and yet so human. He disliked gossip and gossipers intensely. He knew how insidiously dangerous gossip is and how difficult it is to root out and stop—yet he loved to indulge, just a bit. He'd make a comment about someone (usually right on, not malicious but not necessarily a compliment), then say: I can't believe I said that! Then he would be properly horrified at having made the comment. Those of us who knew him appreciated how funny and endearing Scott was. Oh Scott, you are sorely missed. Blessed Be, Scott.
Merry Meet and Merry Part
and Merry Meet Again. | 
