Anne S. Perrah writes . . . “Coming Home” is an apt phrase to encapsulate my experience of that incredible weekend. Walking again on Pacifica’s home grounds at Ladera Lane, re-connecting and reminiscing with my Pacifica family, listening to and participating in excellent (5 star!) presentations, sharing stories and relishing “large talk” with fellow Alumni about our journeys through the birthing of a book into the world — all of these are poignant memories of my Pacifica “home-coming.” I became newly aware of the immeasurable force for good our Pacifica family truly is.
There was one moment that was particularly meaningful for me: at the Alumni Authors book-signing, as I personally shared my story of Taken to Heart , there was a moment of grace. I became vividly aware that my amazingly-gifted fellow “MAGI” classmate, Selden Edwards, and my own beloved (and long-suffering) Dissertation Advisor, Dennis Slattery, were there, like witnessing “bookends” of my Pacifica experience. I looked across at Dennis, recalling how he would nudge me along with, “The dissertation is not the book. Finish the dissertation so you can write the book!” And here I was! And as Selden said to all of us, there is nothing quite like holding your finished book in your hand…unless perhaps, it is knowing in your heart of hearts that through your writing you have, in a realized way, joined with the Pacifica family in its commitment to make a difference, for the sake of tending Soul in and of the World.
