Sunday 1 September 2013

in memoriam


today i gave a talk at the Glasgow School of Art
in the Mackintosh Lecture Room
an architectural gem
redolent of the forests from which the timber panelling was sourced.



i dedicated my talk to the memory of my father

Professor Emeritus Dr. Peter Schwerdtfeger

B.Sc. M.Sc. (Melb.), Ph.D. (McG.), F.T.S.E., F.R.Met.S.

who was born December 23, 1935 at GÓ§ttingen, Germany to Hans and Hanna Schwerdtfeger
and departed this life in Adelaide, Australia on August 20, 2013.



my father taught me a many things
including that it is better to allow an extended pause in transmission
than to say
'um'
when giving a lecture
and
that the show must go on

which is why i stayed on in Scotland and completed my engagements here.
tomorrow i will be returning home for his funeral

and for the record, i didn't say 'um'.

44 comments:

  1. Sad but things happen, usually when you are not home, the show must go on and I am so glad you didnt say um.My regards to your mother.

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  2. Thoughts, prayers and positive energy being sent your way as you and your family mourn the passing of this great man.

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  3. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx (and more)

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  4. I am so touched by your farewell to your father. I lost mine a few years ago close to this date. Our fathers remain with us in so many ways. His death reminded me that time on this Earth is precious and that we are so much part of it's breath. David Suzuki once explained that our last exhalation continues to circle the Earth for more than 100 years. I breath deeply when I need the comfort of my father.
    I am so sorry for your loss.

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  5. I am sorry to hear of your loss. A fitting tribute to how he raised you.

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  6. My thoughts are with you as you grieve. xxoo

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  7. What sad news, India. My thoughts will be with you as fly those long hours home.

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  8. A beautiful tribute . My thoughts are very much with you .
    Claudia

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  9. What a classy woman you are.
    I am so sorry for your loss.

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  10. I'm sorry for your recent loss. I just saw that you will be teaching just 15 minutes away from where I live but the class is full. I just might come into Tin Thimble that day just to ss you in person. You are amazing.

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  11. My thoughts are with you and your loved ones. I wish your father peace and love on his new journey. A warm hug for you.
    Anja

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  12. Hey India, thinking of you during this time. I was in Adelaide recently and thought of you often.. I know you weren't there in body, but I'm guessing you were there in spirit.
    sending warm hugs and strength.

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  13. Thinking of you as you travel home today for such a sad event.

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  14. Sending you love and strength for this terribly difficult time India - much love, helen.xxxx

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  15. He would be proud of you for not saying "um" and for carrying on. Thank you for staying to do the talk. It meant a lot to me to hear you on the other side of the world. Louise

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  16. I feel the release....been there. With you. ox

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  17. I was very grateful to be at your talk yesterday in light of your loss and wish you a safe journey home.

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  18. I'm sure your father was very proud of you and especially for following your dreams and calling. What a wonderful tribute to him for you to dedicate your talk to him. I'm sure he loved it. Wishing peace in your heart and mind.

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  19. and on to another mountain. my best to you.

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  20. I'm so sorry for your loss, India. xoxo

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  21. Dear India,
    Have a safe journey back to Australia. I love the gesture to dedicate your talk in Glasgow to your father.
    I am not sure I'll choose the right words in English....
    India, mein tief empfundenes MitgefĂźhl begleitet Dich auf Deiner Heimreise.
    eva

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  22. I'm keenly aware of what my mother taught me, in this year of her death. Deep peace to you.

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  23. I am so sorry for your loss, India. Looking forward with my whole heart to spending time with you later this month at the Wayfarer's Windfall. Peace and comfort to you until then, sus

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  24. Thus is the cycle- you will never say ummm (or think it, or do it). . . ever, and that will always be his gift to you.

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  25. I think your father must have been very proud of you. Clearly strength and wisdom are part of your heritage.

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  26. So awful about your Dad! I'm so sorry...

    Big, warm hugs to all of you Flints (and, of course, your Momma n sibs.)

    XOXOX

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  27. There will always be a space where he was. But believe me when I say from experience, even though it becomes smaller over the years, it will always be there for you to stand in and let it wrap around you when you need comfort. With love.

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  28. I'm so sorry, India. Wishing you and your family peace.

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  29. Sending you love and blessings
    I have an UMM habit and have been trying to break it, will think of you and your father's words in my next presentation!

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  30. Sending sympathy and healing thoughts your way.

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  31. what a deep shock for you. Safe journies, good wise words he said about umming i'll remember that..

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  32. There is a specialness to Fathers ,that transcends their leaving us and what they give us, love, knowledge and memories wrap around us in our time of sadness. Blessings to you and your family..

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  33. You and your family have my heartfelt sympathy dear friend.

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