Catherine Gent

When I moved to Austin in the mid 80's I never knew the many spiritual giants I would learn to know and grow from. One dear soul was Chris Gent. He was a World War II veteran. He was partially responsible for the building of the Memorial Student Center at Texas A&M University, which for an Aggie like me meant a lot. He and I were elected to the Spiritual Assembly of Austin at the same time. I had the bounty of privilege to know him well through the deliberations and consultations of those years together. He was a kind, gentle and loving man. He left this world some time ago in February. Many times since then I would call his dear wife Catherine and remember him with her. She was kind and told me how much Chris loved me and that touched me dearly. In the past few years she left us for Houston and I had no contact save an occasional phone call or letter. Yes, I do write letters from time to time. One time she cut out a flower from a magazine and sent it to me. She mentioned that I should not mention it to others as they might think it strange. However, it was one of the kindest gifts that I could ever have received. I took it on Pilgrimage with me when I went to the Bahá'í World Center. I took it to the Shrines and then upon returning informed her of what I did. I wanted her to know how special that gift was to me. It still rests in my prayer book. It is with a sad heart and some tears that I learned of her passing yesterday. I am sad for my loss and the loss of others but overjoyed by her reunion with Chris. One thing that I always think about when they come to my mind was how Chris would say that they only disagree on one thing in all their lives together, one liked liver and one did not. I am sure that over the years there were different events and different perspectives, what I do appreciate is that I got to know them at a very special time in their lives. I miss them so.

CATHERINE GENT

I hear her voice in my mind
Remember how she was kind
The love she shared
The way she cared

In the waning years
Sometimes laughing
Or in tears
A letter would arrive
With a freshness alive
Back and forth our words would flow
Sometimes a gift she would bestow

A more stately person,
It would be hard to find
Of her beloved husband
It did remind

When I reflect
On her being gone
I think about how much I long
To see her and her love
Both now above

One day my turn, it will be
But for now, I have to see
Them in my mind’s eye
It will be
That clear and lucid memory

I will always remember
No matter how old we are
Or where we go
We can always
Upon others show
Our love and care
And they will grow
From what we know
-Shiidon, August 2008