Standing at the Edge of the Park - Saving the World

Today is Day Six of the Great Silent Grandmother Gathering at Lithia Park in Ashland, OR, my home town. The morning was clear and cool as we began our stand with a circle and invocation at 7:30 AM. When we dispersed with a song (Peace is Flowing Like a River) at 9:30 AM, 16 people had participated by being peace. Many others waved and smiled. Saturday is a busy day, as artisans set up their booths on Calle Guanauato, alongside Ashland Creek for the weekend Lithia Artisans Market.

A strong, tall man with very short hair and stylishly scruffy beard wanted to speak to us. This is a silent vigil, but I chose to overlook "rules." His name is Mike. He lives in the an upstairs apartment facing the grassy area where we stand each morning, and has been aware of us all week. On Tuesday, he saw 7 of us standing in the pouring rain. His voice broke as he said, "I wanted to bring all of you tea, but I don't have a tea pot!" He said he wished he could stand with us, but he had to go to work. This is the kind of man I want my great-grandson (2 1/2 year old Preston) to grow up to be!

Today, August 12, Ashland Daily Tidings carried a photo and article about us on the first page. Bob Plain, the reporter, told our story accurately and well. Thank you, Bob!

Tomorrow, Sunday, we stand again from 7:30 - 9:30 AM . Some or all of us will go with Sharon Mehdi, author of the internatioanal phenomenon The Great Silent Grandmother Gathering, and initiator of this gathering in the park, as she brings the message of hope and peace to First United Methodist Church of Ashland.

Sharon's blog details our stand, and includes pictures. Click the title of this article, or enter www.greatsilentgrandmothergathering.blogspot.com on your browser.

And consider taking a stand in your park!
Coach Elizabeth