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From Betsy Hill to the Aikido Community, Tenchi Aikido, & Friends
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| June 3, 2010, Dear Friends, On March 8, 2010, Betsy Hill, James Gauer, and their daughter Shanti Hill-Gauerwere rear-ended in an automobile collision on Highway I 80. Our car was at a standstill caused by another collision farther down the highway. The car that hit us from behind had locked breaks and was sliding on icy pavement (we were clearly not at fault). Our car was spun around 180 degrees on the freeway. Both cars were insured. Betsy was in the rear passenger seat. We all suffered whiplash, and Betsy suffered a concussion which precipitated into her being hospitalized twice. Betsy cannot teach Aikido, her profession, right now and is taking time to heal herself from this post concussion syndrome which has caused her to be confused and ungrounded. She is in the care of highly competent medical professionals including her primary care physician, a naturopath/acupuncturist, an osteopath, a psychiatrist, and a bodyworker. She will be hiring a neurologist. Betsy has no health insurance coverage but is currently paying some of her extensive medical expenses from her relatively small car insurance accident payout. She has almost $10,000 in ambulance fees. Concurrent with this accident, Betsy and James are suffering through a mortgage loan modification process to reduce their monthly payments. Unfortunately, the lender put approval “on hold” until they can clear up a technical misunderstanding that they are modifying one loan for their one property which includes two separate physical mailing addresses. As a result, they needed to restart their loan modification process, resulting in delays and uncertainties, all the while Betsy is unable to teach Aikido and earn her living. They reapplied but are currently in limbo around their home and property. This is not an easy time for Betsy and James, emotionally and financially, and they are appealing to their friends both inside and outside the Aikido community for help. To that effect, please feel free to send this appeal on to your list of friends whom you think might be interested in helping. A donation of any amount would be most graciously appreciated. If you can help, please send assistance to either “Betsy Hill” or “James Gauer” at 3698 Burnside Road, Sebastopol, CA 95472. Our E-mail address is longchenpa@comcast.net. With love and gratitude, Betsy and Jim |
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May 2, 2010, Hi All,
I'm writing to you to announce that I am discontinuing my physical training on the mat, "THE ART OF PEACE," Aikido, at this time. James, Shanti, and I suffered being rear ended in an automobile collision coming down from skiing on March 8th, 2010. I was in the back seat and incurred whiplash as they did. I/we have engaged a group of very fine Doctors, as the nature of this accident, was at least to my shoulders, neck, and head. My "intention" is that there not be "brain injury" involved. This is very difficult for me and for my family at this time. I must stay away from the mat both teaching and training. Our Dojo (Tenchi Aikido) will continue; classes will go on. You all can enjoy "the shifts" that are happening. This, of course, is a big change for my "nuclear family," Aikido Community, and for me. I do ask for your patience and understanding; this helps me be quiet enough to heal. I know that you all love me and that helps me "the most." I ask for your continued beautiful sincerity, and enthusiasm for the "Art of Peace," both on and off the mat. The "off the mat" part is, of course, my personal challenge right now. Patience and calm are not present sometimes. It's a "new game" after the accident, and that has to be my #1 concern right now. Please let Tenchi Aikido continue; I "consider myself" absentee director right now. Please stay tuned and watch the new website because, as I'm able, I will revise the schedule, so you can come over and train. Per class is fine. Just drop in. An occasional donation will be accepted. We are all in this together, that's for sure. There will be some very special events happening through our place here, so stay tuned through our website or google groups. Jack Wada Sensei has already accepted an "artist in residence" retreat here on our property. We're thinking about mid-August as the date. I have a lot more time on my hands now, so watch out. Just joking, it helps. Being off the physical mat is a "big deal" for me, and I do need to attend to my body. I will be seeing you as I can, because who can stay away from The Summer Retreats this year? With much appreciation and too much enthusiasm from the sidelines, I love you all. Many Blessings, and this was my "short" E-mail, "Oh, Boy." Love B and Tenchi Aikido. |
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For Mary McLean; Of all that God has shown me I can speak just the smallest word, Not more than a honey bee Takes on her foot From an overspilling jar. -Mechthild of Magdeburg- |
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