It is with a heavy heart and much emotion that we say goodbye to another beloved chajin, Tim Olson sensei, who passed on June 28. Summer is the season for sweet peas blooming in the garden with such a sweet fragrance. They are a favorite flower of both me and Tim sensei. I painted many of them, especially for him which he framed and hung on the walls of his apartment.
You were a light in my life showing me the way with your quiet presence, sense of humor, and insightful teaching. Our longstanding friendship carried me through dark days as well as celebrations. I always anticipated your visits, phone calls, zoom meetings with joy to be in your presence again.
Tim sensei was a warm, knowledgeable, and deeply kind teacher who was beloved by all of his students, and had a profound influence on the way that I teach chado today. His sincere caring, thoughtfulness, and love of beauty, truly embodied the way of tea. In our weekly phone calls and zoom meetings, we consulted each other with how to teach the way of tea, commiserated with our troubles, and shared philosophies of life.
I am deeply grateful for the time I got to spend with you, sensei. You will be so very missed in my life, yet I take your spirit and gifts you have given me over the years to pass on to my own students so that they can know what it is to live the way of tea.
Tim sensei, may the fragrance of sweet peas be ever on the breeze, as you eat your sweets and drink your tea in your well earned rest. We love you and will remember the lessons your taught us.